Document Document Title
US07938406B2 Gasket
A first gasket 10 is placed in a groove formed in a cam cover and seals a gap between a cylinder head and the cam cover. The first gasket 10 includes a pair of seal lips 13 which come into tight contact with the cylinder head and which are provided in parallel to each other, and a plurality of connecting portions 15 which are provided between the pair of seal lips 13, which are connected to each of the seal lips 13, and which hold a distance between the seal lips 13 near the connected portion.
US07938402B2 Air riding seal
An improved air-riding seal system for turbine engines is presented. The seal system includes a movable primary seal assembly, a stationary secondary seal assembly, and at least one structure to increase the stiffness of a thin film between the primary seal and a rotating component. The primary seal assembly includes an annular seal ring and an arcuate support arm. The annular seal ring has a cross section that is substantially L-shaped and a surface with a step face and a circumferential dam. The arcuate support arm has a tooth at one end adjacent to an outermost circumferential surface along the seal runner, which could include an optional notch. The tooth and outermost circumferential surface are separated by a gap. The secondary seal ring is disposed between and contacts the primary seal assembly and housing structure so as to form a bore seal and a face seal therewith. A plurality of hydrodynamic pockets disposed along the circumferential dam and/or a plurality of radial dams disposed along the surface in an outward radial arrangement from the circumferential dam are provided to improve the stiffness of the thin film. Features of the invention allow for higher operating speeds.
US07938393B2 Recording apparatus and method of controlling the same
A recording apparatus includes a facsimile receiving function and one of a copy function and a printer function. On a shared sheet conveying path, sheets fed from a manual feed port and a cassette feed port are conveyed, and conveying rollers hold the sheet from the manual feed port in a removable state and is capable of conveying the sheet from the cassette feed port when no sheet from the manual feed port is being held. A memory is operable when image formation is not possible for an image received by the facsimile receiving function, to store the received image. It is detected that a sheet from the manual feed port is being held on the sheet conveying path when image formation for the received image is to be carried out on a sheet in the cassette feed port, a warning is given to have the held sheet removed.
US07938391B2 Apparatus for feeding print products in a conveyed flow to a processing device
An apparatus for feeding print products, conveyed in a flow, to a processing device. The apparatus includes a feeding device including a first conveyor and a downstream-connected second conveyor. A guide arrangement is provided with side-adjustable guide members having a longitudinal center axis which constitutes the longitudinal center axis relative to the conveyed flow of print products. The print products are aligned along the guide arrangement, and the guide arrangement is configured relative to the longitudinal center axis so that it can be adjusted transverse to the conveying direction of the print products.
US07938377B2 Marine vehicle seat mount
A seat slider assembly is disclosed. The slider seat includes a seat mount and a first slider guide extending along at least a portion of the perimeter of the seat mount. A second slider guide extends from the surface of the seat mount at a position distally located from the perimeter of the seat mount. A slider plate to which a vehicle seat can be mounted includes a first channel for slidably engaging the first slider guide and a second channel for slidably engaging the second slider guide such that the slider plate is slidable between a first position and a second position relative to the seat mount. A locking lever is movably coupled to the slider plate and includes a locking structure to prevent the slider plate from moving relative to the seat mount. A control member operatively coupled to the locking lever to cause the locking lever to move toward an unlocked position wherein the locking structure allows the slider plate to move relative to the seat mount. In some examples, a trim piece is adapted to at least partially cover fasteners mounting the assembly to a vehicle support surface.
US07938359B2 Propulsion system with integrated pylon
A propulsion system for an airplane having an integrated pylon includes a bypass turbojet and a nacelle. The nacelle has a downstream cylindrical part which is rigid and is attached at its upstream end to an intermediate case of the engine. This downstream cylindrical part also includes a longitudinal beam for attaching rods to secure the engine to the airplane.
US07938358B2 Roadable aircraft with folding wings and integrated bumpers and lighting
A low-wing, low-span canard aircraft with a protected pusher-style propeller is designed to transition simply between use in the air and use on the ground, without any mechanical effort on the part of the pilot. The vehicle may include deformable aerodynamic bumpers, embedded road-safety vehicle lighting and license plates, a protected propeller, and an integrated RFID airport access system. The vehicle may be designed for potential certification by the Federal Aviation Administration as a Light Sport Aircraft.
US07938356B2 Filament spool
A filament spool for use in a filament spool container, where the filament spool comprises a first rim and a second rim offset by an axial shaft, and a series of grooves extending along a first portion of the first rim and configured to receive a filament of a material while the filament is wound around the axial shaft in a first rotational direction.
US07938352B2 Wire dispensing apparatus for packaged wire
A container includes side walls and a floor panel for packaging coiled wire, which may be welding wire. A wire dispensing apparatus is included that pays-off wire from the coil without tangling or twisting. The wire dispensing apparatus incorporates a plurality of flexible protrusions that extend from a base constructed to minimally contact the coil of wire. In particular, the wire dispensing apparatus incorporates an angled or curved base that rests against an inner circumference of the coiled wire.
US07938322B2 Radio frequency identifiers in game tickets
Game ticketing systems and methods provide for the use of radio frequency identifiers (RFIDs). Game tickets such as instant lottery tickets include a substrate having game data and a removable mask covering the game data. A transponder is coupled to the substrate where the transponder stores a ticket RFID that defines a validation code of the game ticket. Game tickets can therefore be dispensed to consumers, validated and tracked using the ticket RFIDs.
US07938319B2 Tradesmans card system
A Tradesman's Card system issues a Tradesman's Card to qualifying tradesman selected from the group consisting of plumbers, electricians, carpenters, masons, mechanics, repair shop professionals, contractors, or related construction or trade companies and professions upon payment of an initiation fee and payment of periodic maintenance fees. The card is issued by a bank or a credit card issuing authority that has contracted with pre-selected wholesalers, jobbers and businesses to provide pre-negotiated discount levels for tradesmen within the group. The tradesman's Card has unique identification features, which identify the card holder as a professional tradesman that is entitled to pre-negotiated discounts. A number visible on the Tradesman's card serves as the system identification number and a credit card number. Professional purchases by the tradesman are tracked by the system, analyzed and reported to sponsoring manufacturers of goods, jobbers or wholesalers for a fee. The purchasing information can be used by merchants for marketing purposes and generation of special discounts on future purchases by the tradesmen.
US07938317B1 Banking system controlled responsive to data bearing records
An automated banking machine operates responsive to data bearing records. The automated banking machine includes a card reader operative to data read from user cards corresponding to financial accounts. The automated banking machine includes a display and a printer to produce records of financial transactions carried out with the machine. The automated banking machine includes a processor housed in a case having vents. The machine housing includes vents and a duct assembly extends between the processor case vents and the housing vents.
US07938313B1 Disposable thermally insulated cup and blank therefor
A container blank comprises at least one substrate layer made of disposable material and at least one film layer disposed substantially over the substrate layer and having at least one portion adapted to shrink away from the substrate layer upon application of heat. The shrunk film layer portion is adapted to thermally insulate the substrate layer located substantially behind the shrunk film layer portion.
US07938296B2 Multicomponent dispensing device with valve assembly
A two-component syringe is provided with a valve assembly having a common inlet/outlet, the valve assembly being designed to selectively close the containers of the syringe or allow a liquid from the outside to be aspirated into one of the containers via the common inlet/outlet or connect the two containers to each other or allow a mixture to be dispensed through the common inlet/outlet. This valve assembly is composed of a valve body provided with a sealing disk having channels that are arranged such that the connections are established or interrupted when the valve body is rotated. The design of such a valve assembly is simple and cost-efficient, and it allows aspirating liquids into a container and transferring them to another container that holds a powder as well as dispensing multicomponent liquids or pastes efficiently and with minimum pressure and volume losses.
US07938288B2 Universal drain pan
An auxiliary drain pan for catching liquid that leaks or overflows from an appliance, system or machinery includes a central well and a pan plate surrounding the central well. The pan plate has a top surface that is sloped downwardly towards the central well such that, when the drain pan is operatively positioned on a generally horizontal plane, liquid on the top surface flows into the confined area of the well, thereby minimizing the weight of liquid collected in the drain pan. The well includes a drain line connection port and a removable wall segment for optional attachment of a water detection device. Parallel score lines in the pan plate, extending both longitudinally and transversely on all sides, define removable areas for adjustment of the overall size and shape of the drain pan, thereby allowing for customized sizing at the installation site.
US07938287B2 Structure for liquefied natural gas storage tank
An LNG storage tank comprises a heat insulating wall on an inner surface of the storage tank, a sealing wall contacting LNG on the heat insulating wall, and a structure to support the sealing wall. The structure comprises an anchor structure, which comprises an anchor member between the inner surface of the storage tank and the sealing wall to secure the sealing wall to the inner surface, and a heat-insulating material around the anchor member. The anchor member is coupled at several portions to the inner surface. The structure provides a simple configuration to the heat insulating wall and the sealing wall, and a simple connection therebetween, enabling convenient construction thereof while increasing sealing reliability. The structure simplifies an assembled structure and a manufacturing process, reducing a construction time of the tank while efficiently relieving stress on the tank.
US07938277B2 Controlled release of microbiocides
A container for releasing a microbiocide component into a liquid composition susceptible to unwanted microbial growth (LCMG) includes a LCMG-impermeable casing separate and apart from an internal combustion engine housing, and having a hollow interior and at least one opening. A microbiocide component, for example, at least one LCMG-soluble microbiocide, is located in the hollow interior. At least one LCMG-permeable element is provided at or near an opening in the casing and is effective to provide for release of microbiocide component into the LCMG. Methods of releasing microbiocide component into LCMGs are also provided.
US07938274B2 Paper sheet processing apparatus
A paper sheet processing apparatus has a take-in device which takes in notes set in a setting unit, a judgment device which judges the quality and condition of a note taken in by the take-in device, a stacking box which stacks the note judged the quality and condition by the judgment device, a backup which is provided movably up and down in the stacking box and stacks notes, and a control device which variably controls the position of the backup based on the result of judgment by the judgment device.
US07938270B2 Gift card presenter
A gift card presenter includes a base portion folded along a fold line and having an inner and outer surface. A support portion is folded along a fold line and includes opposite ends on either side of the support portion fold line, which are secured to the inner surface of the base portion on opposite sides of the base portion fold line. The support portion defines an opening adapted to receive and support a card, which travels through the opening until it engages the base portion. The unfolding of the base portion causes the support portion to unfold and move toward the base portion, which forces the card back through the opening and outward from the support portion, thus creating a pop-up effect.
US07938268B1 Cosmetic box for storing multiple cosmetic items
A cosmetic box includes a main body having a periphery provided with a plurality of receiving chambers, and a plurality of cosmetic items mounted in the receiving chambers of the main body respectively. Thus, the main body is provided with a plurality of receiving chambers to receive a plurality of cosmetic items to facilitate a user's makeup purposes. In addition, when each of the cosmetic items protrudes outwardly from the main body, the container of each of the cosmetic items is non-rotatable relative to the respective receiving chamber of the main body, so that the lid of each of the cosmetic items is rotatable relative to and detachable from the container to remove the brush from the container, thereby facilitating the user operating the brush.
US07938266B2 Dispensing container device
A dispensing container device for dispensing small solids such as pills, tablets, or candy, or liquids such as emulsions, gels, solvents, or aqueous solutions, comprising a base, a cover, and an insert. The base has a bottom wall and a curvilinear side wall having an upper edge, the side wall having an aperture. The cover has an upper wall and a curvilinear side wall having a lower edge. The insert has an upper wall and a curvilinear side wall and has an aperture which corresponds with at least some portion of the aperture in the base side wall when the insert is placed within the base. When the cover, base, and insert are assembled, placement of pressure on the cover upper wall or on the base bottom wall reveals the aperture in the base side wall and in the corresponding insert side wall, permitting the dispensing of the device's contents.
US07938260B2 Shock-absorbing protection cover for a portable product
A protection cover is used for sleeving over a portable product so as to help protect the product from being scratched. The protection cover includes a shock-absorbing structure for shielding and concealing a corner of the portable product. The shock-absorbing structure is formed with an air chamber bulging outwardly from the corner of the portable product. The shock-absorbing structure further has an inner region that defines an opening for access into the air chamber and that abuts tightly and sealingly against the corner of the portable product so as to convert the air chamber into an air-trapped chamber when the protection cover is sleeved over the portable product.
US07938247B2 Virtual lug loader
A virtual lug loader includes a lug loader for loading workpieces in a flow direction into the spaced apart lugs on a lugged conveyor, wherein the workpieces are transversely oriented relative to the flow direction. The lug loader includes an array of pairs of endless conveyors for conveying the workpieces downstream, wherein each pair of endless conveyors in the array include first and second endless conveyors. The first and second endless conveyors are spaced laterally apart across the flow direction. Each are aligned substantially in the flow direction. The array forms a continuous upper surface in the flow direction for supporting the workpieces translating downstream in the flow direction. Each pair of endless conveyors in the array overlap adjacent pairs of endless conveyors in the array. At least one pair of endless conveyors in the array include independently actuable first and second drives independently driving their corresponding first and second endless conveyors.
US07938245B2 Currency handling system having multiple output receptacles
A method and apparatus for loading a plurality of stacks of currency bills into a currency handling device employing an input receptacle having a first paddle and a second paddle, each paddle being configured to urge one or more stacks of bills towards a front end of the receptacle wherein the relative position of the first and second paddles can be alternated as to which paddle is closer to the front end of the receptacle.
US07938244B2 Flexible liner for hoppers or chutes
A flexible liner (10) for a hopper or chute (40) has a plurality of overlapping flexible liner panels or tiles (20) secured to the walls (41,42) of the hopper or chute (40) by fixing strips (30). Each flexible liner panel or tile (20) has an elongate body (21) and a flexible fin or flap (22) formed integrally of elastomeric material, where the flexible fin or flap (22) extends at an acute included angle (α) (in the direction of flow of material through the hopper or chute (140)) to the side walls (41,42) and the Shore A hardness of the elongate body 21) is equal to, or greater than, the Shore A hardness of the flexible fin or flap (22).
US07938234B2 Multi-position brake lever system with a converter that converts a cable actuator to a hydraulic actuator
A hydraulic assembly for a hydraulic disc brake system that includes a housing defining a cylinder, a piston received in and moveable within the cylinder, a first lever operatively associated with one of the piston or the cylinder, and a second lever operatively associated with the other of the piston or the cylinder. Moving the first lever pushes one of the piston or the cylinder in a first direction, and moving the second lever pulls the other of the cylinder or the piston in a second direction. In a preferred embodiment, the piston has a non-actuated position and a fully actuated position, and the piston is biased towards the non-actuated position, and wherein the cylinder has a non-actuated and a fully-actuated position, and the cylinder is biased towards the non-actuated position.
US07938233B2 System and method for detecting the state of an elevator cage
An elevator system includes a lift cage, which is provided with a belt having markings disposed along the length thereof. A device for detecting at least the position, optionally, also the speed and the acceleration of the elevator cage, which is used to scan the markings, comprises a detector which is secured to the elevator cage and is displaced therewith. The detector is, preferably, arranged in such a manner that it detects the markings in one section of the belt which extend from the underloop of the carrier rollers on the elevator cage directly to a fixed point of the belt.
US07938220B2 Material handling vehicle with dual control handle system
A material handling vehicle includes an operator compartment having two operator control handles, a deadman switch accessible by an operator using either control handle, and a traction system. The traction system is controlled by the control handles to drive the vehicle in a selected direction, wherein an operator can control the traction system while facing one of the selected directions and the deadman switch is selectively activatable to enable operation from both control handles.
US07938217B2 Regenerative suspension with accumulator systems and methods
In exemplary embodiments, a regenerative suspension system replaces or complements a standard shock absorber on a vehicle. A pump attaches via a hose to a central accumulator cylinder that is mounted along the frame rails underneath the vehicle. Pressurized fluid, air, or other material charges the accumulator. The Pressurized fluid, air, or other material is controllably released via a valve in order to perform work.
US07938215B2 Cooler installation
A tractor cooling installation has an engine cooling radiator (11) fixed relative to the tractor (16), a first inner bank of one or more coolers (12,13) pivoted on the radiator on a first frame (17) for upward pivoting movement away from the radiator about a first generally horizontal pivot axis (18) transverse to the tractor and a second outer bank of one or more coolers (14) also pivoted on the radiator on a second frame (20) for upward pivoting movement away from the first inner bank of coolers about a second generally horizontal pivot axis transverse to the tractor. A first cooler (12) from the first bank of coolers is mounted on the first frame (17) for pivoting upwardly with the first frame away from the radiator and a second cooler (13) which also forms part of the first bank of coolers is pivotally supported at its upper end by the first frame about a third generally horizontal axis (26). The lower end of the second cooler (13) is attached to the tractor by pivoting link means (27) so that as the first frame (17) pivots upwardly about the first axis (18) the second cooler pivots (13) relative to the first frame (20) about the third axis (26) to a location spaced from the first cooler (12) and the radiator (11).
US07938214B2 Motor cooling system
A vehicle motor system includes a motor that receives cooling fluid flow from two different cooling sources. A control, such as a valve, selectively changes the cooling flow between the two cooling sources in response to an operational state of the vehicle.
US07938208B2 Power output apparatus and hybrid vehicle
A hybrid vehicle includes an engine, motors, and a power distribution and integration mechanism that are coaxially arranged with respect to each other. The hybrid vehicle also includes a transmission including a transmission differential rotation mechanism that is a single pinion planetary gear mechanism having a sun gear, a ring gear, and a carrier that is connected to a drive shaft, and that is configured such that these three elements can differentially rotate with each other; and a clutch capable of selectively coupling one of or both of the carrier and the sun gear of the power distribution and integration mechanism with the sun gear of the transmission differential rotation mechanism.
US07938202B2 Rotating drill pipe protector attachment and fastener assembly
An attachment and fastener system rigidly secures a rotatable drill pipe protector (RDPP) to a drill pipe. The RDPP comprises a sleeve which is split axially along at least one side. Parallel hinge bars are contained in first and second hinge sections which wrap around the hinge bars along opposite sides of the opening in the RDPP. One hinge bar is rotatable in the first hinge section. A series of axially spaced apart bolts are held in corresponding threaded openings in the rotatable hinge bar which rotates about its axis to swing the bolts in unison between open and closed positions. The other hinge bar has a series of threaded receptor openings facing outwardly from slotted openings in the second hinge section and aligned with the bolts on the other hinge bar. The rotating hinge bar swings the bolts into alignment with the slotted openings in the other hinge, after which the bolts are tightened in the threaded receptor openings for applying a holding force around the drill pipe. The hinges which wrap around each hinge bar are formed on the ends of a reinforcing cage structure molded into the wall of the RDPP.
US07938198B2 Rotary digging and compression enlarging driller and boring method
A compression enlarging driller comprises a vehicle body; a pole; an outer drilling rod; an inner drilling rod disposed within the outer drilling rod and moveable in a longitudinal direction; a windlass; a connecting lever having an upper end connected with a lower end of the inner drilling rod; a rotary digging bucket connected with a lower end of the connecting lever; a rotary enlarging device; a driving device; and a first hydraulic cylinder. When the driller bores a hoe, it can bore and enlarge the hole without changing a drill bit. A pile constructed by the driller has a high bearing capacity, the number of required piles is decreased, costs lower, and efficiency is improved.
US07938188B2 Completion method with telescoping perforation and fracturing tool
An apparatus and method for perforating a liner, fracturing a formation, and injection or producing fluid, all in one trip with a single tool. The tool has a plurality of outwardly telescoping elements (12, 14) for perforation and fracturing. The tool also has a mechanical control device for selectively controlling the fracturing of the formation and the injection or production of fluids through the telescoping elements.
US07938182B2 Method for recovery of natural gas from a group of subterranean zones
A method for recovering natural gas from a group of subterranean zones containing natural gas, including injecting an amount of a displacing gas into a first subterranean zone, producing a first produced gas from the first subterranean zone, collecting an amount of the first produced gas wherein the quality of the collected first produced gas is higher than or equal to a threshold production quality for the first produced gas, injecting an amount of the first produced gas into a second subterranean zone wherein the quality of the injected first produced gas is higher than or equal to a threshold injection quality for the first produced gas, producing a second produced gas from the second subterranean zone, and collecting an amount of the second produced gas wherein the quality of the collected second produced gas is higher than or equal to a threshold production quality for the second produced gas.
US07938181B2 Method and composition for enhancing coverage and displacement of treatment fluids into subterranean formations
A method of injecting a treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation, comprising providing a treatment fluid having a viscosity; determining the breakdown pressure of the portion of the subterranean formation; calculating the maximum sustainable flow rate for the treatment fluid; and, injecting the treatment fluid into the portion of the subterranean formation at a flow rate less than or equal to the maximum sustainable flow rate for the treatment fluid. A method of injecting a treatment fluid into a portion of a subterranean formation, comprising providing a treatment fluid having a viscosity; determining the breakdown pressure of the portion of the subterranean formation; calculating the maximum allowable treatment fluid viscosity; adjusting the viscosity of the treatment fluid to a viscosity less than or equal to the maximum allowable treatment fluid viscosity; and injecting the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation at the selected treatment fluid flow rate.
US07938180B2 Fluid level sensor
A sensor used to determine the height of one or more fluids in a fluid column and to determine a location of an interface or boundary between a plurality of fluids in a fluid column is disclosed. The sensor includes a plurality of sensing elements comprising a capacitor and other components, such as resistors and inductors. The sensor also includes an oscillator that alters a frequency of an electrical current applied to the sensor, from which the dielectric constant of the fluid in which each sensing element is disposed can be determined. Methods of using such a sensor to determine the relative heights of various fluids in a fluid column are disclosed. In particular, methods of using embodiments of the invention in a well, such as water and petroleum wells, are described.
US07938179B2 Method of using a charged chamber pressure transmitter for subterranean tools
A sensor and transmitter is employed with a pressurized chamber of a downhole tool to be able to tell at a glance when the tool is delivered for service that it is properly charged. The sensor and transmitter can be integrated within the tool so as to be protected from damage during run in. While in service the sensor and transmitter can monitor pressure in real time and include a capability to send surface signals for real time monitoring of chamber pressures corrected for the service depth, temperature and density of the hydraulic fluid, for example. The signal can be acoustic through the control line or the annulus or delivered through a fiber optic cable or signal wire run in the hydraulic control line, an auxiliary line or through the annulus.
US07938173B2 Heat exchanger and refrigerant passage portion connecting structure for refrigeration cycle
Fixed to the peripheral wall of a header 2 of a unit-type heat exchanger 1 is a receiver connecting block 6 having channels 31, 32 for causing the interior of the header 2 to communicate with the interior of a liquid receiver 7 therethrough. The block 6 and the liquid receiver 7 have respective fixing portions 32, 36 and respective contact faces 22a, 36a each provided on the fixing portion. The outer peripheral surfaces of the fixing portions 22, 36 have respective contours of the same shape and the same size. The liquid receiver 7 is fixed to the block 6 with the contact faces 22a, 36a of the fixing portions 22, 36 in intimate contact with each other. A tubular seal member 42 having rubber elasticity is liquid-tightly fitted around the fixing portions 22, 36. The seal member 42 has an inner shape smaller than the contours of the outer peripheral surfaces of the fixing portions 22, 36 and is fitted as elastically deformed around the fixing portions 22, 36. Rainwater or the like can be prevented from ingressing into an interstice between the contact faces of the block and the liquid receiver.
US07938165B2 Manufacturing process for semi-finished products containing two aluminum-based alloys
A vertical casting process for an intermediate product, including the steps of (a) preparation of at least two aluminum based alloys, particularly a first alloy with composition P and a second alloy with composition T, (b) casting of the first alloy with composition P to a required height HP, and (c) casting of an additional required height HT of the alloy with composition T. The object of this invention is the manufacture of monolithic structural elements with working properties that are variable in at least one direction, and particularly bi-functional or multi-functional structural elements capable of performing at least two functions that are traditionally performed by two different parts.
US07938160B2 Ultrasonic bonding apparatus
An ultrasonic bonding apparatus includes an ultrasonic bonding unit, and a wiping unit configured to wipe out pre-cured underfill that has adhered to a tool surface of a head, by using a wiping member. The ultrasonic bonding unit includes a first driver configured to drive the head to press an electronic component upon a substrate, and an ultrasonic generator. The wiping unit includes a wiping table used to wipe out the tool surface, a feed mechanism configured to supply a wiping member to the wiping table and to roll up the wiping member, a cartridge configured to house the wiping table and the feed mechanism, and a second driver configured to drive the cartridge in the plane. The first driver is configured to press the head upon the wiping member on the wiping table.
US07938155B2 Ring strander knife assembly and method of use
A cutting assembly includes a knife assembly having a knife holder and a knife blade, a counter knife, and a scoring tip holder. In one arrangement, the counter knife is secured to a ring strander drum, the knife holder and scoring tip holder are carried by a clamping element, and knife blade is disposed between the counter knife and the knife holder. In a closed position, the clamping element causes the knife and scoring tip holders to generate a compressive force against the counter knife, thereby securing the knife blade within the cutting assembly. In an open position, the clamping element positions the knife and scoring tip holders in a spaced relationship relative to the counter knife, thereby allowing removal of the knife blade from the cutting assembly. Accordingly, an operator can replace the knife blade in the cutting assembly without having to remove the entire cutting assembly from the ring strander device.
US07938145B2 Coupler including electrical and pneumatic interfaces
A coupler including electrical and pneumatic interfaces. The coupler includes a manifold having pneumatic apertures and a support having connector apertures to accommodate one or more valves.
US07938144B2 Refueling valve for a fuel storage system and method therefor
A refueling valve assembly is a pressure-activated valve that allows a flow of fluid, for example, fluid fuel, into the fuel reservoir. A fuel inlet port allows for the fluid fuel to be introduced into the valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a compressible member having a first sealing position and a second fueling position, where the compressible member is more compressed in the second fueling position than the first sealing position. The compressible member is sealingly coupled with the fuel inlet port when the compressible member is in the first sealing position.
US07938139B2 Smart reset relief valve
A reset relief valve with a body having an inlet port, an outlet port, and an interior wall partially defining an enclosed chamber, a piston disposed in the body and moveable between a first position at which the piston is disposed in fluid flow-blocking relationship between the inlet port and the outlet port of the body and a second position at which the piston is removed from that position, a piston having a head with opposed end surfaces one of which defines a portion of the enclosed chamber and at least one fluid flow passageway extending through the head and providing fluid communication between the enclosed chamber in the body, and a second chamber above a moveable disc in the piston and a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the fluid in the chambers. A preferred embodiment includes data acquisition software for monitoring data and storing pressure and other data to control the operation of the valve.
US07938137B2 Method of direct hot tapping into a multiple production string without removing outer layers of casing
A method of hot tapping into a multiple string configuration for obtaining access to the production tubing without removing outer layers of casing by providing a multiple casing string that includes at least an outer casing and an inner casing or production string; mounting a clamp assembly around the wall of the outer casing; hot tapping a small opening through the outer casing wall to capture any pressurized fluid through the opening; cutting first and second large openings through the wall of the outer casing to access the inner casing, each opening being approximately 180 degrees from the other opening; through the first opening, drilling a small hole through the wall of the inner casing to capture any pressurized fluid through the opening in the inner casing; and inserting an anvil through the second opening to contact and stabilize the wall of the inner casing to prevent the casing from moving while the casing is drilled.
US07938133B2 Tent with fold indicators
A tent assembly includes a storage container, a tent body, a first fold guide and a second fold guide. The tent body is configured to transition from an erect position to a collapsed position and is configured to be folded along a plurality of predetermined fold lines to fit within the storage container when the tent body is in the collapsed position. The first fold guide is coupled to the tent body and is spaced a first distance from and positioned on a first side of one of the plurality of predetermined fold lines. The second fold guide is coupled to the tent body and spaced the first distance from and positioned on a second side of the one of the plurality of predetermined fold lines, wherein the second side is opposite the first side. Other tents, tent bodies and associated methods are also described.
US07938130B2 Substrate holding rotating mechanism, and substrate processing apparatus
A substrate holding rotating mechanism is used to hold and rotate a substrate to be processed. The substrate holding rotating mechanism according to the present invention includes at least three spindles, clamp rollers mounted respectively on the spindles for holding a periphery of a substrate, a rotating device for rotating at least one of the clamp rollers, at least one base member on which at least one of the spindles is installed, and a rotational mechanism adapted to allow the base member to be rotatable.
US07938116B2 Ergonomic and adjustable respiratory mask assembly with headgear assembly
A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a main body and a side frame member provided on each lateral side of the main body. Each side frame member includes an integrally formed first connector portion. A headgear assembly is removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly has a second connector portion adapted to be removably coupled with the first connector portion provided on the frame. The second connector portion is manually movable to a releasing position to detach the headgear assembly from the frame. The headgear assembly is rotationally adjustable with respect to the frame.
US07938111B2 Connection head for an absorber of an anesthetic breathing system
A connection head for an absorber (4) of an anesthetic breathing system has a simple design and can be easily taken apart. A valve device (2) is inserted into a guide sleeve (7), which is open towards the absorber (4). A sealing ring (16), which has two sealing areas (23, 24) and fixes the valve means (2) within the guide sleeve (7), is arranged on the underside of the guide sleeve (7).
US07938104B2 Fuel evaporator system for vaporizing liquid fuels to be used within combustion-powered devices
A liquid fuel supply and evaporator system for use in connection with combustion-powered fastener-driving tools comprises an evaporator housing which is disposed in thermal communication with the combustion chamber housing of the tool in order to absorb heat or thermal radiation generated within the tool combustion chamber. A sintered metal liquid fuel evaporator element is interposed between the evaporator housing and a liquid fuel distribution manifold whereby the liquid fuel is effectively converted into a gaseous fuel which is then transmitted by a gas distribution manifold toward the combustion chamber of the fastener-driving tool.
US07938101B2 Adaptive control of fuel delivery in direct injection engines
An adaptive fuel delivery control system includes a pressure monitoring module and a flow rate determination module. The pressure monitoring module determines an actual pressure drop after a fuel injection event on an injector. The flow rate determination module determines an adjusted flow rate based on a reference flow rate and the pressure drop.
US07938095B2 Oil pan baffle and gasket
An oil pan baffle is secured by a securing device on the oil pan. The securing device has an oil pan gasket with a gasket body matched to a sealing contour of an oil pan relative to a crankcase and securing elements that are connected to the gasket body and project inwardly away from an inner perimeter of the gasket body. The securing elements act on contact surfaces of the oil pan baffle, with which contact surfaces the oil pan baffle is positioned in receptacles of the oil pan, and exert pressure effecting secure fixation of the oil pan baffle on the oil pan when the oil pan gasket is compressed by mounting the oil pan on the crankcase.
US07938091B2 Camshaft and camshaft manufacturing method
A cam lobe of a camshaft has a base circle portion and a lifting lobe portion. A camshaft journal of the camshaft has first and second bearing portions that bear reaction forces from the base circle portion and the lifting lobe portion, respectively. The first bearing portion has an axial width smaller than that of the second bearing portion with at least a portion of an axial end surface of the first bearing portion facing the cam lobe being disposed away from the cam lobe relative to an axial end surface of the second bearing portion. The base circle portion has an axial width smaller than that of the lifting lobe portion with at least a portion of an axial end surface of the base circle portion facing the camshaft journal being disposed away from the camshaft journal relative to an axial end surface of the lifting lobe portion.
US07938082B2 Device and method for automatically starting a milking process
A milking machine cylinder comprising a flexible element and at least one sensor element which detects at least a substantial weight relief of the flexible element in order to trigger a start signal for a milking process.
US07938080B2 Method for using film formation apparatus
In a method for using a film formation apparatus for a semiconductor process, process conditions of a film formation process are determined. The process conditions include a preset film thickness of a thin film to be formed on a target substrate. Further, a timing of performing a cleaning process is determined in accordance with the process conditions. The timing is defined by a threshold concerning a cumulative film thickness of the thin film. The cumulative film thickness does not exceed the threshold where the film formation process is repeated N times (N is a positive integer), but exceeds the threshold where the film formation process is repeated N+1 times. The method includes continuously performing first to Nth processes, each consisting of the film formation process, and performing the cleaning process after the Nth process and before an (N+1)th process consisting of the film formation process.
US07938077B1 Hydrogen generation apparatus for an underwater vehicle
A hydrogen generation apparatus for an underwater vehicle is presented, the apparatus including a hydrolysis reaction compartment, a mass of solid lithium hydride disposed in the compartment, inlet and outlet structure for passing sea water through the compartment to generate steam, lithium hydroxide and hydrogen gas, a condenser for condensing out the steam and retaining the condensate and lithium hydroxide, and a tank for collecting the hydrogen gas, the tank having outlet structure for discharging the hydrogen gas to a vehicle propulsion system.
US07938066B2 Strip charge storage arrangement
A storage arrangement for a strip charge includes a spool having a central aperture into which is placed an end of the strip charge, and a channel extending from the central aperture out to a peripheral wall around which the strip charge is wound. The channel includes a slightly curving portion so as not to unduly bend the strip charge. The spool is removably attached to a base plate that maintains the strip charge in place prior to use.
US07938064B2 Printing unit of a web-fed rotary press
A printing unit of a web-fed rotary press has a plurality of press units, each press unit having a form cylinder, a transfer cylinder, an inking unit and optionally a damping unit, and having at least one impression cylinder. Each form cylinder rolls on the respective transfer cylinder and each transfer cylinder rolling on an impression cylinder in a thrown-on position of the printing unit, in order to apply single-color printed images onto a printing material which is moved through between the transfer cylinders and the or each impression cylinder. Each form cylinder bears a plurality of printing images next to one another in the axial direction, by which corresponding single-color printed images are applied to the printing material. The printing images which are arranged next to one another in the axial direction of the respective form cylinder are offset with respect to one another in the circumferential direction in such a way that deviations in the circumferential register between the single-color printed images which are to be printed in different press units can be compensated for.
US07938062B2 Apparatus and method for compressing a stack
A press specially adapted to compress a stack which includes one or more pressure sensitive based fastening layers which are actuated by application of substantial pressure. A lower press plate includes a receiving surface upon which the stack is positioned and first and second guide members, with the receiving surface being tilted with respect to a level plane such that the stack tends to move on the receiving surface towards the two guide members. An upper press plate is provided which includes a compressing surface which is substantially parallel with respect to the receiving surface when the press is in a first operating mode. A drive mechanism is provided for driving the lower and upper press plates towards one another so as to applying a compressing force to the stack.
US07938057B2 Piston pump with reduced clearance volume
The invention relates to a piston pump which is used to guide a fluid and which comprises a cylinder, a piston which is displacably arranged in the cylinder, a return element for the piston and a drive in order to displace the piston in the cylinder. The cylinder comprises a first area having a first internal diameter and a second area having a second internal diameter. The first internal diameter is greater than the second internal diameter.
US07938046B2 Torque-limiting device
A torque-limiting driver has a handle, a body, a torque-limiting assembly and a work-piece engaging tip. The torque-limiting assembly includes an upper and lower shank that have a plurality of teeth circumferentially spaced. The teeth have a vertical face, an inclined face and a flat peak. The inclined face is defined by a radius of curvature that transitions to the flat peak. There is a spring for applying pressure across the upper and lower shank. The teeth engage for relative rotation when the handle is turned and disengage when a predetermined value of torque is exceeded.
US07938043B2 Ratchet wrench with prevention of tooth damage
A ratchet wrench includes a drive member and a switch rotatably received in a body. A pawl is movably received in the body and has first and second sides. The second side of the pawl includes a pressing portion having upper and lower sections. The pressing portion further includes two pressing sections. Two positioning units are mounted between the switch and the second side of the pawl. The positioning units press against the upper and lower sections to bias the first side of the pawl to engage with the drive member. The positioning units press against one of the pressing sections corresponding to one of two positions of the switch.
US07938039B2 Self locking cable control apparatus
A cable control assembly is beneficially adapted for shifting controllable mechanisms, such as a power take-off unit, between two conditions, an initial position and an actuated position. The cable control assembly preferably includes a housing, a handle extending from the housing, a driving member, a driven member, and a locking member such as a pawl. Upon shifting of the handle from an initial position to an actuated position, the driving member shifts the driven member, which is operatively coupled to the control cable. Upon reaching the actuated position, the locking member holds the driven member in the actuated position without transmitting a tensioning force applied to the control cable to the driving member. Return of the driving member in a direction toward the initial position automatically causes the locking member to move free of the driven member and enable return of the driven member and control cable to the initial position without other unlocking steps.
US07938034B2 Actuator for a motor vehicle with a transmission
The actuator for a motor vehicle has an electric motor driving an output shaft and a transmission comprising a worm, a spindle nut and a spindle. The worm is rotatably connected to the output shaft. The spindle nut comprises a worm gear that engages the worm and also a spindle thread that engages the spindle. The worm has a worm axis and the spindle nut has a spindle nut axis. The worm axis and the spindle nut axis draw an angle alpha of between about 85 ° and about 5° and, in one embodiment, between about 70° and about 40° .
US07938032B2 Dissolution testing with in-situ gravimetric volume measurement
A dissolution test apparatus includes a vessel support member, weight sensors, a movable component, a media transport cannula, a pump, and an electronic controller. The vessel support member receives vessels. A weight sensor is located at each vessel site. Each weight sensor contacts a vessel and transmits a measurement signal indicative of the weight of the vessel and any contents therein. The movable component moves the media transport cannula toward a vessel site. The pump establishes media flow between the media transport cannula and the selected vessel. The controller communicates with the weight sensors and may also communicate with the pump. Based on the measurement signals received from the weight sensors, the electronic controller may calculate the volume of media in a given vessel. The electronic controller may also control media flows to or from the vessels by transmitting control signals to the pump assembly.
US07938022B2 Flowmeter with an oscillation circuit receiving electric power in a non-insulating manner
The flowmeter is provided with an oscillation circuit receiving supply of electric power in a non-insulated manner from an external power source and supplying the electric power to the coil to drive the magnetic substance, an insulating unit for insulating the coil from the magnetic substance and/or the electrically conductive fluid pipe, and a shielding unit being short-circuited to have a stable electric potential relative to the external power source and shielding the coil against the magnetic substance and the fluid pipe.
US07938016B2 Multiple layer strain gauge
An apparatus and method uses a die having at least one perimeter side with multiple pads. A structure is positioned between the at least one perimeter side and the multiple pads having multiple layers within the die. The structure functions as both a strain gauge and a crack stop. The structure arrests cracks from propagating from the at least one perimeter side to an interior of the die and provides an electrical resistance value as a function of an amount of strain existing where the structure is positioned. In another form the structure is implemented on a substrate such as a printed circuit board rather than in a semiconductor die.
US07938007B2 Method for inspecting joined material interfaces
A method for inspecting joined material interfaces, such as butt fusion pipe joints of plastic pipes, using ultrasonic waveforms to discriminate between acceptable and unacceptable interfaces. The waveforms (amplitude vs time) having been transmitted to a material interface of interest are divided into a number of time zones and the amplitudes of the waveforms within the time zones compared against waveform amplitudes obtained from known acceptable joined material interfaces to determine the quality of the material interface of interest.
US07938004B1 Systems and methods for angular rate and position measurement
Disclosed herein are systems and methods of angular rate and position measurement that combine a small footprint with hardening and isolation technologies that allow it to function in acceleration, angular rate, noise and vibration environments that cause other gyroscopes to either fail or to produce erroneous outputs. An example embodiment contains a triad of accelerometers, a triad of gyroscopes, analog and digital ancillary electronics and a processor housed within a housing which is also filled with vibration reducing encapsulating compound. The disclosed systems and methods of angular rate and position measurement are capable of measuring and correcting internal errors and perturbations caused by the longitudinal and angular accelerations and temperature excursions of aerospace vehicles, isolating the gyroscope elements from the effects of acoustic noise and vibration, and accurately measuring the relatively small pitch and yaw oscillations of the vehicle in its flight path trajectory.
US07938001B2 Wind indicator having a resistive portion parallel to fluid flow
A direction indicator comprising a direction pointer arranged to pivot about a fulcrum and a flight mounted on the direction pointer that is capable of interacting with a fluid flow, the flight having a resistive portion resistive to fluid flow in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the direction pointer, the resistive portion being substantially effective to cause the direction pointer to pivot about the fulcrum and thereby align the flight with the direction of the fluid flow.
US07937993B2 Apparatus and method for starter RPM detection
An engine starter motor tester applies power to a motor under test at the level normally applied while that motor is installed in a vehicle and monitors the ripple in the driving current. The ripple rate, scaled by the number of windings used in the construction of the motor, provides a direct reading of the shaft speed of the unloaded motor. This number allows a valid inference concerning the state of health of the motor, and is more certain than an estimate for an unloaded motor based on operator experience and motor “sound”. A complete test apparatus includes a stored lookup table, allowing the user to key in a product brand and model number and read directly both the RPM and the test apparatus's rating of the motor under test, expressed in terms such as percentage of life remaining.
US07937992B2 Engine misfire detection apparatus, hybrid vehicle equipped with the same, and engine misfire detection method
The engine misfire detection process of the invention sets a first threshold value and second threshold values to be referred to for detection of an engine misfire and detects an engine misfire based on the settings of the first threshold value and the second threshold values and 360-degree differences. The engine misfire detection process of the invention detects the occurrence of an engine misfire at each gear position of the transmission by taking into account the varying effects of the operating conditions of a motor the transmission, and a planetary gear mechanism on the crankshaft of the engine.
US07937987B2 Filter monitor-flow meter combination sensor
A method for monitoring a filter installed in a fluid system. The steps include providing a reference region in the fluid system, the region including a chamber having a known volume and releasing a fluid from the chamber configured to flow through the reference region. The method further includes measuring pressure and temperature values at predetermined locations at predetermined time intervals and determining filter permeability values in response to measured pressure and temperature values. The method further includes comparing the filter permeability values to predetermined filter permeability values.
US07937980B2 Drawing machine and method for drawing an elongated workpiece
A method for the drawing of a longitudinal workpiece wherein drawing forces required for the drawing are applied by means of at least a sprocket chain comprising link plates wherein the drawing forces are introduced from the workpiece via the link plates into the sprocket chain as a result of which the latter can be constructed lighter and apply greater drawing forces.
US07937977B2 Key holder
A key holder, comprising an external housing and an internal housing pivotably mounted inside the external housing. Keys can be retractably mounted in the internal housing with means by which keys can be extended in and out of the internal housing while the internal housing. The internal housing can be rotated in relation to the external housing when the keys are retracted into said internal housing with the keys in the internal housing held under pressure against a plug of soft material to dampen rattling when in a retracted position. The external housing includes an internal chamber sized and configured to contain a larger remote key adjacent the internal housing when the internal housing is retracted into the key holder. Other aspects of the key holder include an integral flash light or cell phone.
US07937976B2 Rekeyable lock cylinder and operating method thereof
A rekeyable lock cylinder comprises a cylinder body and a plug assembly disposed within the cylinder body. The plug assembly comprises a plug body, a plurality of assembled pins and a position block. The plug body has a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis vertical to the longitudinal axis, a keyhole and a first through hole. Each of the assembled pins is movably disposed in the plug body and comprises a first rack component and a second rack component selectively engaging with the first rack component. The position block disposed at the plug body has a plurality of pin runners used for disposing the first rack components, a second through hole corresponding to the first through hole and a tool-contacting surface located within the second through hole. The position block can move along the transverse axis-direction of the plug body to make each of the first rack components reengage with each of the second rack components.
US07937965B2 Jewelry ring and method for the production thereof
The present invention generally relates to a jewelry ring (1) and a method for the production of such a jewelry ring (1). The jewelry ring consists of a first ring (2) having an inner surface area, a second ring (3) and a sliding ring (4), the latter is located between the first ring (2) and the second ring (3) to ease a preferably frictionless twistability of the two rings to each other.
US07937960B2 Humidity controller utilizing the pressure differential sensors for varying the compressor capacity
A humidity controller includes a differential pressure detection means (93, 97) for detecting a difference between high voltage and low voltage in a refrigeration cycle of a refrigerant circuit (50) and a control means (30) for controlling the capacity of the compressor (53). The control means (30) reduces the capacity of the compressor (53) when a detected value of the differential pressure detection means (93, 97) exceeds a reduction threshold. Further, the control means (30) stops the compressor (53) when the detected value of the differential pressure detection means (93, 97) exceeds a stop threshold higher than the reduction threshold.
US07937949B2 Emergency power engine restart system
An engine starting apparatus and method may allow for two methods of engine start where only one engine gearbox accessory pad exists off the aircraft engine. A gearbox lubricating apparatus may also be provided to lubricate the gearbox at altitude without added complexity. Two engine starting inputs (for example, one input for ground start and one input for in-flight engine start) are provided while avoiding complex gearbox designs. Clutches may also be used to prevent the starter gearbox from continuous operation (rotation) after the engine has started. Apparatus and methods are also provided for improving the air-fuel combustion of the hot-gas turbine start input (for in-flight engine start) to minimize the build-up of solid carbon (soot) in and around the combustor and turbine nozzle flow passages.
US07937945B2 Combining a series of more efficient engines into a unit, or modular units
Units of engines are described herein. The units contain a unique combined-cycle (deflagration-detonation) “contra-rotation, anti-gyration, gyroscopic,” turbine fan-jet/free-piston engine configuration for induced air supercharging that boosts the performance of novel Ramjet engines or Ramjet engine configurations by improving internal air-stream dynamics. These dynamics are the result of co-operative air stream intermixing through convergent, supercharge-attenuated, inducted, compressed, tuned, pre-heated ambient air. Results are achieved through the varying of the geometric structural form and the utilization of unique engines and air induction and propulsion conformations, aided with supplemental air, fuel, oxygen and optional water and electrolyte charging.
US07937936B2 Vehicle exhaust component arrangement
An exhaust component arrangement is provided for an off-road vehicle having an engine, a cab, a transmission connected to the engine, and a fuel tank adjacent the transmission. A portion of the fuel tank is positioned below a portion of the cab. The exhaust component arrangement includes a particulate filter unit, a NOx reduction unit, and an oxidation catalyst unit, all connected in series. The fuel tank has a recess formed in an upper surface thereof. A lower portion of one of the units is received in the recess. Preferably, a lower portion of the NOx reduction unit is received in the recess.
US07937934B2 Dosing pump assembly
A metering pump assembly for admixing a fluid reduction agent from a supply container and a pressurized air flow into an exhaust gas flow of a combustion engine includes an assembly housing and a pre-mixer at least partially within the housing. A membrane pump within the housing is fluidly connected between the supply container and the pre-mixer. An electric motor generates a rotational output. A transmission converts the rotational output of the electric motor into translatory movement. The translatory movement drives the membrane pump to pump the reduction agent from the supply container into the pre-mixer. The pressurized air flow is in fluid communication with the pre-mixer and mixes with the reduction agent within the pre-mixer to form a reduction agent air mixture. An exit conduit fluidly connects the pre-mixer to the exhaust gas flow. The reduction air mixture is delivered through the exit conduit and into the exhaust gas flow.
US07937926B2 Integral heater for fuel conveying member
A fuel conveying member for an engine, the fuel conveying member having heating means integrated therein to permit pyrolysis of carbonaceous deposits.
US07937919B2 Flexible cutting platform with passive float arm stop in an agricultural harvesting machine
An agricultural harvesting machine includes a feeder housing and a cutting platform attached to the feeder housing. The cutting platform includes at least one platform section, each of which includes a frame, a plurality of float arms pivotally coupled with the frame, an endless belt carried by the plurality of float arms, and a plurality of hydraulic cylinders. Each hydraulic cylinder is associated with a respective float arm and includes a rod, a piston and a fluid chamber on a side of the piston providing a passive stop.
US07937918B1 Drive arrangement for corn head equipped with or without a corn stalk chopper
A plurality of corn head row units are mounted in side-by-side relationship to each other, with each row unit including a first gear case containing a gear train coupled for driving two forwardly projecting stalk roll drive shafts and two gathering chain drive shafts supported by the gear case. Located beside the first gear case is a second gear case containing a second gear train coupled driving a stalk chopper drive shaft supported by, and projecting downwardly from, the second gear case. A main power shaft extends through a rear region of the first and second gear cases and carries a dual direction slip clutch providing overload protection for the first and second gear cases. When a stalk chopper is not used, the slip clutch is arranged for establishing overload protection for an adjacent second row unit gear case.
US07937903B2 Panelized ceiling system
A panel for use in constructing a ceiling of an enclosure, particularly a cleanroom without using a grid support. The panel includes a thin shell or skin which is placed around an internal bracing member in such as fashion that the resulting panel can be hung from an overhead support in a fashion to have a single join or seam between adjacent panels.
US07937899B2 Water drain
The water drain is a hollow body defining a drainage aperture. The hollow body is adapted for installation in a screen base channel in a lanai, verandah, or screened porch. The hollow body is preferably a flat tube made of plastic, and has a mounting flange around the periphery of one end of the tube. A web or divider wall may bifurcate the hollow body from front to back, adding strength to the walls of the tube. A cap fits over the drainage aperture to limit fluid flow therethrough. The water drain may alternatively be made of aluminum or other corrosion-resistant metal.
US07937898B2 Residential building complex
The present invention relates to a building complex (100) of the type containing eight construction elements (2) for residential use, situated at a suitable relative distance so as not to create visible interference with each other. Each construction element (2) for living purposes has a square plan base (3), at least an internal patio element (4), and at least one entrance facade (5). Each construction element (2) for residential use comprises a series of carrying building structures (6) situated along the perimeter of each construction element (2) for residential use.
US07937891B2 Plant growth and imaging devices and related methods and computer program products
A plant growth array device includes an aerial growth chamber configured to receive aerial shoot portions of a plurality of plants and a root growth chamber configured to receive root portions of the plurality of plants. A dividing member is between the aerial growth chamber and the root chamber and has a plurality of apertures for receiving the plurality of plants therein. The plurality of apertures are configured so that the root portions grow substantially in a common orientation.
US07937880B1 Camera integrated firearm system and method
A camera integrated firearm system replaces the original recoil spring and guide assembly of a firearm with a casing which includes a camera, a camera actuating module which turns the camera on when the orientation of the handgun barrel is changed, a gunshot impact sensing and signal transmitting module, an image memory module, and output data ports. The casing is also equipped with a unique power-data port integrated into the lens unit of the camera. When the weapon is drawn, the camera is turned on to record events, including the discharge of the weapon. The camera, utilizing ambient light plus the light generated by muzzle flash, i.e. the jet of fire exiting the barrel at the instant the bullet exits the weapon, takes and saves, in memory, a closely spaced sequential stream of digital photographs or, alternatively, video recordings. Using the data outputs, the images can then be downloaded for viewing.
US07937877B2 Light weight firearm and method of manufacturing
A firearm has a body formed of a unitary first shell and a unitary second shell. Each shell defines an open cavity and has a peripheral rim. The rims of the shells are connected together so that the cavities define a receiver chamber. A bolt reciprocates within the receiver chamber, and a barrel connected to the shells has a chamber positioned for operable engagement by the bolt. The shells may together define a gas tube, and may define a barrel receiving element, each shell having a barrel engagement element. Each shell may have a side panel with flat portions having a limited thickness, and elongated ribs of a greater thickness. The ribs may extend about the periphery of planar side panels, and may extend between the periphery and selected stress elements on the body including a buttstock mounting facility. A bolt handle slot may have opposed rows of spaced apart bolt handle guides in an alternating arrangement.
US07937867B1 Sign assembly
A tab extending from a panel is inserted into a channel through an opening in a vertically aligned bracket supported by a pole. The bracket includes a pair of plates positioned in spaced overlying relation and connected by a brace to form the channel between the plates. The panel is first moved in a vertical direction until an upper tab is inserted through a slot formed by a stop positioned in the channel at a predetermined distance from the brace. The upper tab guides a notch in the panel to receive the stop until the stop contacts the bottom of the notch. Thereafter the panel is rotated in the channel until a lower tab is aligned with a second slot formed by a second stop at the opposite end of the channel. The panel is further moved until the second tab is positioned in the second slot to guide a second notch in the panel to receive the second stop and securely retain the panel in the bracket channel.
US07937862B2 Sliding accessory method
A sliding accessory may be mounted on a rail of a file folder, binder, sheet protector, divider, or other device. The accessory may be initially provided on a printable sheet, and may be provided with one or more fold lines that enable the accessory to be folded into a desired configuration. The fold lines may also be used to form a male portion that may be inserted into the rail of the file folder for attaching the accessory to the file folder. The male portion may be provided on one or two sides of the accessory depending on a rail configuration of the file folder. The male portion may have securing portions that interconnect with securing edges of the rail of the file folder. The securing portions and securing edges interconnect in such a manner that enables the accessory to be slidably moved along the rail. The accessory may be produced from a printable sheet having one or more die-cut accessories formed therein.
US07937859B2 Wheeled load transfer device
A wheeled load transfer device has a load carrying member, a handle assembly and a pair of wheels optionally connected to a distal end of the handles and preferably offset below the plane of the handles. The load carrying member includes opposing side portions, a bottom portion. The load carrying member is rotatable between a first loading position which is preferably parallel to the ground and a second load transporting position which is inclined to the ground to better retain the load. The load carrying member can be rotated to different positions to scoop, transport and dump the load.
US07937858B2 Hitch assembly and tractor scraper using same
A hitch assembly includes a hitch assembly frame. A tow bar includes a shaft having a first end pivotably attached to the hitch assembly frame and a coupling member attached to a second end of the shaft. A push plate is pivotably attached to the hitch assembly frame and defines a vertically aligned slot. The tow bar is movable within the vertically aligned slot. Such a hitch assembly may be used to operate machines, such as tractor scrapers, in a push-pull configuration.
US07937856B2 Article of footwear with illuminated chamber
An article of footwear includes an upper and a sole assembly secured to the upper. The sole assembly has at least one fluid-filled chamber capable of transmitting light and a recess. A light source is positioned in the recess, and an outsole is secured to a lower surface of the sole assembly.
US07937843B2 Compass having a leg joint and information bearing surfaces
A compass includes two legs having upper ends interconnected in a leg joint and lower ends with holders for refills or styluses. An adjusting spindle penetrates the legs, in particular, in vicinity of the leg joint. The legs have carrier zones in the form of widenings serving in a region between the leg joint and the free leg ends as a base of an information bearing surface surpassing the width of the legs in their spreading plane. The information bearing surfaces are disposed on both broad sides of the compass and constructed as undivided surfaces projecting from one leg into the region of the other leg. If the compass is closed, two mounting disks of the information bearing surfaces lie congruently above one another and only two outer information bearing surfaces and can be seen. All four information bearing surfaces can be seen in the open state of the compass.
US07937834B2 Method of fabricating capacitive ultrasonic transducers
A capacitive ultrasonic transducer includes a first electrode, an insulating layer formed on the first electrode, at least one support frame formed on the insulating layer, and a second electrode formed space apart from the first electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode define an effective area of oscillation of the capacitive ultrasonic transducer, and the respective length of the first electrode and the second electrode defining the effective area of oscillation is substantially the same.
US07937833B2 Method of manufacturing circuit board
A method of manufacturing a circuit board is disclosed. A method of manufacturing a circuit board that includes forming a first circuit pattern on the insulation layer of a carrier, in which an insulation layer and a first seed layer are stacked in order; stacking and pressing the carrier and an insulation board with the side of the carrier having the first circuit pattern facing the insulation board; removing the carrier to transfer the first circuit pattern and the insulation layer onto the insulation board; and forming a second circuit pattern on the insulation layer transferred to the insulation board, allows fine pitch circuit patterns to enable the manufacture of fine circuit patterns of high density on the board, and allows the manufacture of a multi-layer circuit board with a simple process.
US07937829B2 Method for manufacturing a conductive grid for attachment to a blister package
The Med-ic™ Electronic Compliance Monitor (ECM) addresses the problem of patient non-compliance with prescribed medication. The Med-ic™ ECM provides precise information about the patient's use of blister-packaged medication in clinical research and general pharmacy settings. Using an on-board central processing unit (CPU), the Med-ic™ ECM records the time each tablet or capsule is expelled from the blister package, keeping a record for later analysis. At the time of refilling or follow-up visit, the information is downloaded to the research assistant's, physician's or pharmacist's computer where it can be displayed graphically. The data can be stored for later analysis. Production of a Med-ic™ ECM Tag involves numerous steps. These steps incorporate certain methods and technologies to accomplish their objective, the steps being detailed in the specification.
US07937824B2 Method for manufacturing nonreciprocal circuit device and method for manufacturing composite electronic component
A method for manufacturing a nonreciprocal circuit device in which a ferrite-magnet device including ferrite having first and second center electrodes arranged to intersect and be electrically insulated from each other and a pair of permanent magnets fixed to both principal surfaces of the ferrite so as to apply a direct current magnetic field to the ferrite is solder-bonded to a surface of a substrate. The ferrite-magnet device is solder-bonded to the surface of the substrate while a magnetic plate is disposed on a back surface of the substrate.
US07937822B2 Method for connecting tab pattern and lead wire
A method is for connecting a tab pattern formed on a base sheet and a lead wire, wherein the tab pattern includes: a tab main portion; and a connecting portion formed to continue from one edge line of the tab main portion and to extend from the tab main portion along an extension line that is substantially orthogonal to the edge line, and wherein the method includes: connecting the lead wire on the tab main portion by bonding the lead wire at a position being displaced from the extension line of the connecting portion for more than a given offset amount where the extension line is identical to a center line of the connecting portion, the position being within a given distance from the edge line of the tab main portion.
US07937818B2 Split cable seal
A method for sealing a cable in an enclosure includes assembling a first portion and a second portion of a cable seal around a cable. The first and second portions of the cable seal define a central axial opening having a sealing surface. The cable is disposed in the central axial opening. The method further includes inserting the cable seal and cable through an entrance of a generally u-shaped cable entry point of a side of an enclosure and positioning the cable seal within the cable entry point such that the cable seal protrudes from opposite surfaces of the side. An outer gasket seals between the surfaces of the side of the enclosure and the cable seal.
US07937817B2 Methods and apparatus for an instrumented fastener
An instrumented fastener (e.g., a “tack” fastener) includes one or more light sources (e.g., light-emitting diodes) configured to produce a light beacon that includes encoded information regarding the instrumented fastener (e.g., part number), wherein the direction of the light beacon can be used to align external and/or internal assembly systems to the instrumented fasteners. The light beacon may be activated automatically, or via an instruction received from an external system. Once aligned, the assembly system may, for example, proceed with installing permanent fasteners between neighboring tack fasteners.
US07937816B2 Assembly device between two laminated panels consisting of a resin layer inserted between two metal sheets
The invention relates to an assembly device between two panels (4,5) consisting of an internal layer (1) of resin inserted between two external metal sheets (2,3). At least one of the panels (4,5) comprises a cut section (6) to insert attachment means jointly in contact on a sheet (2,3) of one of the panels (4,5) and on a sheet (2,3) of the other panel (4,5).
US07937809B2 Dynamic window jamb channel block
The device of the present invention is identified as a chimney block for use in the jamb channels of window frames. The chimney block impedes or substantially reduces the vertical movement of air through the jamb channel. The reduction in air movement improves the insulating properties of the window and minimizes the amount of dust and fine dirt that might otherwise enter the jamb channel resulting in a progressively increasing force required to move the sash through the jamb channel. It consists of a vertical structural element which is secured to a planar sealing element that conforms to the cross section of the jamb channel. Legs or struts are attached in proximity to the other end of the vertical structural element to insure that the chimney block essentially remains in the same position to provide an air block.
US07937808B1 Curtain carrier having a simplified construction
A curtain carrier includes a carrier body having a mounting ring which has an inner wall provided with a sliding face, a first support seat having a connecting tube which is inserted into the mounting ring and has an inner wall provided with an engaging hole, a second support seat having an engaging sleeve which is inserted into and closely fit in the engaging hole, and a rolling module located between the first support seat and the second support seat and slidably mounted between the sliding face and the connecting tube. Thus, the curtain carrier has a simplified construction, thereby greatly decreasing the cost of fabrication. In addition, the first support seat and the second support seat are assembled easily and quickly, thereby facilitating assembly of the curtain carrier.
US07937805B2 Castor that is braked solidly and stably without producing vibration
A castor includes a castor body, two rollers rotatably mounted on the castor body and each having an annular toothed locking section, a locking member movably mounted on the castor body and having two locking flanges each having a toothed engaging portion, and a brake handle pivotally mounted on the castor body to drive the toothed engaging portion of each of the locking flanges of the locking member to engage the toothed locking section of the respective roller. Thus, when the brake handle is pressed to stop rotation of the rollers, the resting face of the pivot base abuts the support rib of the castor body so that the brake handle is operated smoothly and stably without producing vibration during operation of the brake handle, thereby enhancing the braking effect of the castor.
US07937803B2 Bag hold-down for dust collection system
A vacuum bag hold-down arrangement for a dust collection system maintains a negative pressure in the space between a dust collection drum and a plastic film liner or bag in the drum. A cyclonic separator at the station separates the dust from an air flow and deposits it into the liner in the drum. The hold-down arrangement employs a vacuum pump producing about 1 to 3 psig negative pressure. A vacuum conduit extends from the pump through a penetration in the drum and into the space between wall of the drum and the liner bag. A porous pad, e.g., open cell foam, is situated over the vacuum conduit and separates the bag liner from the vacuum conduit. This distributes the air flow into the vacuum conduit and creates a more uniform grip of the liner or bag to the drum.
US07937802B2 Vacuum cleaner for use in both upright form and canister form
A vacuum cleaner for use in both an upright form and a canister form, which can mount and dismount a cleaner body to and from a suction nozzle assembly is disclosed. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle assembly to draw in dust or dirt along with air while moving along a surface to be cleaned; a cleaner body having a dust separating unit to separate and collect the dust or dirt from the air drawn in from the surface to be cleaned; a supporting unit hingedly joined to the suction nozzle assembly to support a lower part of the cleaner body to communicate with the suction nozzle assembly; and a locking unit to detachably lock the lower part of the cleaner body to the supporting unit.
US07937799B2 Container cleaning machine
A container cleaning apparatus comprising a table having holes in the top surface suitably arranged to deliver compressed air and a vacuum substantially simultaneously into the open top of an inverted reusable container placed on the table top and thereby remove debris from the inside of the container.
US07937790B2 Diaper changer
Rotation device is configured at the bottom of the body of a diaper changer so that the diaper changer is capable of rotating horizontally relative to the playard frame via the rotation device when mounting thereon. The rotation device includes a rotator and a supporter where the rotator connects to the body and mounts on the supporter for allowing the body to rotate relative to the supporter. The supporter is further configured at one side of the playard frame. The body can also be rotatably mounted on the playard frame by mounted the rotator directly into a shafting hole on the playard frame. With the rotation device, the diaper changer can be selectively set in a first using status for changing a baby's diaper or a second using status for allowing a babysitter for easy holding the baby up.
US07937785B2 Pumped shower draining device
A pumped shower draining device for a shower installation, comprises a housing having a waste water inlet and a waste water outlet, a pump element provided within the housing, a pump driving device for driving the pump element, and a variable-engagement clutch for providing variable driving engagement between the pump driving device and the pump element. An amount of engagement imparted by the in use clutch is determined by an amount of waste water flowing from a shower unit of the shower installation. Preferably, the clutch is self-regulating, so that the amount of engagement is determined by an amount of water in or at the clutch.
US07937782B2 Water saving device for a toilet
A water saving device for a flush toilet comprising a flapper valve limit structure which yieldably limits the upward movement of a toilet tank flapper valve after it has been moved upwardly from its lower closed position towards its upper position thereby reducing the amount of water which will be discharged from the water tank into the toilet bowl during a flushing cycle.
US07937773B1 Glove with dorsal side knuckle protective padding
A protective glove, particularly useful for automobile mechanic work and other types of working environments or sports which brings the dorsal side of the hand in contact with hard objects or the like which may result in injuries to the knuckles of the fingers, thumb and dorsal side of the hand is provided with protective padding positioned to circumscribe the center axis of rotation of the metacarpalphalangeal joints of the fingers and the thumb. The protective pad covers the distal ends of the metacarpals and the proximal ends of the proximal phalanxes of the fingers with padding being absent at the metacarpalphalangeal joints of the fingers.
US07937768B2 Flexible shin guard
A shin guard includes a plate made of a rigid material sandwiched between two layers of flexible material, such as foam. The two flexible layers are attached to each other around a periphery of at least one of the flexible layers. The plate includes a center panel attached to only one of the flexible material layers. The plate also includes two side panels hingedly attached to the center panel so that the panels can move with respect to the center panel. The panels are not attached to either layer of flexible material so the panels can move with respect to both flexible material layers.
US07941863B1 Detecting and preventing external modification of passwords
To prevent attackers from logging-in with modified passwords, backup copies of passwords are created and stored. At boot time, the stored passwords are compared to the corresponding backup copies to ensure that they have not been modified. This is done during the boot cycle before the attacker is able to login to the computer. If any passwords have been modified, they are replaced with backup copies, thereby preventing the attacker from logging-in with a modified password.
US07941856B2 Systems and methods for testing and evaluating an intrusion detection system
Systems, methods and devices according to this invention include a plurality of defined modification rules for modifying a sequence of packets that form an attack on an intrusion detection system. These modification rules include both rules that expand the number of packets and rules that reduce the number of packets. The reducing rules can be applied to a given attack instance to identify one or more root attack instances. The expanding rules can then be applied to each root attack instance to generate a corpus of modified attack instances. The modification rules can preserve the semantics of the attack, so that any modified attack instance generated from the given attack instance remains a true attack. To test an intrusion detection system, the corpus of modified attack instances can be used to determine whether an intrusion detection system detects every modified attack instance.
US07941855B2 Computationally intelligent agents for distributed intrusion detection system and method of practicing same
A computer-implemented intrusion detection system and method for detecting computer network intrusions in real time are provided. A feature ranking algorithm is used to extract features of interest from a network and network activity. A kernel-based algorithm is used to analyze such features to determine if they are normal or malicious. If malicious, the activity is caused to be blocked.
US07941852B2 Detecting an audio/visual threat
A method, system, computer program product and/or computer readable medium of instructions for detecting if a processing system has been compromised with audio/visual threat. The method comprises steps of intercepting one or more requests to perform an activity associated with an audio and/or visual communication device of the processing system; and performing a behavioural analysis of the processing system to determine if the processing system exhibits behavioural characteristics indicative of the processing system having been compromised with an audio/visual threat.
US07941845B2 Systems and methods for controlling production quantities
Systems and methods are provided for controlling the number of products produced by contract manufacturers in order to prevent unauthorized overproduction. Each authorized device that is produced includes both a serial number and an encryption of the serial number. Each device is configured to decrypt the encrypted serial number and verify the decrypted serial number matches the serial number before the device will function properly. The encryption of the serial number is performed at a secure location outside of the control of the manufacturer, and the encrypted serial number is then transmitted to the manufacturer and stored to the device. Without knowledge of, or access to, the details of the encryption process, the manufacturer cannot independently produce devices with properly encrypted serial numbers. Accordingly, the number of properly functioning devices the manufacturer can produce can be limited by controlling the number of encrypted serial numbers provided to the manufacturer.
US07941835B2 Multi-mode credential authorization
A method for authenticating an identity involves first receiving a first credential over a first communications channel, and determining a second communications channel provisionally associated with the first credential. The second communications channel is different from the first communications channel, and the first credential is provisionally associated with an identity. Then, a second credential is received over the second communications channel, and the identity is authenticated based on a verification of the second credential.
US07941831B2 Dynamic update of authentication information
A framework is provided that decouples credential acquisition from authentication processes using those credentials in a way that facilitates dynamic update of credential information. An authentication component may receive credential information for authentication of a user or a device for access to a resource. During interactions with an external authenticator, the authentication component may identify that updated credential information is required and issue a request to the application including credential parameters defining the updated credential information. An application component receiving the request may acquire updated credential information from a user or another entity. In addition, the authentication method may issue notifications to the application. The framework enables the application to update credentials in a context specific way.
US07941824B2 Methods, systems and computer program products for providing a media file to a designated set-top box
Methods of providing a media file include receiving the media file and an identification of a destination set-top box for the media file at a server device. The received media file is transmitted from the server device to the identified set-top box in an Internet protocol television (IPTV) multimedia format.
US07941822B2 Intelligent device system and method for distribution of digital signals on a wideband signal distribution system
A plurality of intelligent device systems for use with a wideband signal distribution network, and methods for transmitting digital information and receiving digital and non-digital information onto and off of an RF carrier through a wideband signal distribution network, are disclosed. The intelligent device systems provide networks of intelligent devices that modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband signal distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, using existing EIA/TIA 568 standard wiring infrastructure. The methods modulate and demodulate digital video, IP video/data/voice and digital wireless onto, and off of, a wideband distribution system, such as an analog carrier system, and separate IP portions from non-IP portions.
US07941814B1 Device driver processing for automated system restores
In one embodiment, a computer accessible medium comprises a plurality of instructions which, when executed and if a computer system comprises at least one virtual hardware device, identify the virtual hardware device and a corresponding physical hardware device. The plurality of instructions also capture a device driver associated with the physical hardware device for use as the device driver in an install of an operating system on a second computer system having a same type of physical hardware device. Corresponding computer systems and methods are also described.
US07941811B2 Data processing device and data processing method
A data processing device includes a notified party storage unit for storing a party notified of information on the data processing device; a notification unit for notifying each notified party of the information on the data processing device; a reception unit for receiving from an information processing apparatus a registration request for requiring notified party registration to the notified party storage unit; and a setting unit for setting at least one of the information processing devices as a specific information processing device, in which the notified party storage unit stores the notified party such that the number of the notified parties registered according to the registration request from information processing device that is not the specific information processing device does not exceed a predetermined number among the number of the notified parties that can be stored in the notified party storage unit.
US07941807B2 Transitional resolution in a just in time environment
A reference to data in program code is resolved during execution of the program code. A request to resolve the reference is classified based on a state of the referenced data and a source of the request. A transitional resolution for the reference is provided if the referenced data state indicates no accessible definition and resolution of the reference is allowed according to the request classification. A full resolution for the reference is provided if the referenced data state indicates an accessible definition according to the request classification. The request is removed only if the reference resolution is a full resolution.
US07941803B2 Controlling an operational mode for a logical partition on a computing system
Methods, apparatus, and products are disclosed for controlling an operational mode for a logical partition on a computing system that include: receiving, in a hypervisor installed on the computing system, a processor compatibility mode for the logical partition and a firmware compatibility mode for the logical partition, the processor compatibility mode specifying a processor architecture version configured for the logical partition, and the firmware compatibility mode specifying a firmware architecture version configured for the logical partition; providing, by the hypervisor for the logical partition, a firmware interface in dependence upon the firmware compatibility mode; and providing, by the hypervisor for the logical partition, a processor interface in dependence upon the processor compatibility mode.
US07941799B2 Interpreting I/O operation requests from pageable guests without host intervention
Input/output (I/O) operation requests from pageable storage mode guests are interpreted without host intervention. In a pageable mode virtual environment, requests issued by pageable storage mode guests are processed by one or more processors of the environment absent intervention from one or more hosts of the environment. Processing of the requests includes manipulating, by at least one processor on behalf of the guests, buffer state information stored in host storage. The manipulating is performed via instructions initiated by the guests and processed by one or more of the processors.
US07941794B2 Data flow graph processing method and processing apparatus provided with reconfigurable circuit
A data flow graph processing method divides a program describing target operations into two or more subprograms and converts each of the two or more subprograms into a data flow graph (DFG) representing dependency in execution between operations carried out in sequence. Also generated is flow data indicating the order of execution of DFGs corresponding to respective subprograms. DFGs are converted into configuration data and the flow data is converted into control data.
US07941792B2 System and method for compiling program code ahead of time
A system is disclosed for compiling program code. The system provides a compiler that includes a static verifier and a runtime verifier. The static verifier performs static checks on the program code and produces object code corresponding to the program code. The runtime verifier receives the object code and performs dynamic checks on the object code in a platform dependent environment. The resulting object code can subsequently be executed.
US07941790B2 Data processing apparatus, system and method
A method for generating program code for translating high level code into instructions for one of a plurality of target processors comprises first determining a desired program code characteristic corresponding to a target processor. Then, selecting one or more predefined program code modules from a plurality of available program code modules in accordance with said desired program code characteristic, and generating program code for translating high level code into instructions for said target processor from said selected one or more predefined program code modules. Preferably, the method comprises forming agglomerated program code from a plurality of program code modules in accordance with said desired program code characteristic.
US07941776B2 Method of IC design optimization via creation of design-specific cells from post-layout patterns
A closed-loop IC design optimization process by automatically or manually creating design-specific cells with desired characteristics (e.g., performance, area, power, noise, etc.), which will be then implemented as a standard cell (also known hereafter as metacell), from a set of post-layout patterns. A post-layout pattern represents a part or whole of a standard cell and contains information regarding the pattern including, but not limited to, layout, timing, area, power and noise. As the metacells are created from post-layout patterns, the inaccuracies of prior dynamic library techniques are easily avoided. Such metacells, being design-specific, are optimized to satisfy the constraints imposed by the design context, thus bringing the powerful design-specific customization to standard cell-based design methodology.
US07941768B1 Photolithographic process simulation in integrated circuit design and manufacturing
A method, system, and related computer program products for computer simulation of a photolithographic process is described. In one embodiment, a method for designing an integrated circuit is provided. The geometrical design intent and process condition values are received for at least one process variation associated with a photolithographic process to be used in fabricating the integrated circuit. The photolithographic process is simulated at the process condition values using one or more models characterizing the photolithographic process and the geometrical design intent to generate simulation results.
US07941766B2 Method and apparatus for the selection of records
An improved method and system for record selection. Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention interprets the “gesture” of swiping the pen, from left to right, across a line-item of a record entry as a command to highlight the line-item and to select the entire record. Furthermore, a contiguous group of multiple records are highlighted and selected by selecting the first record, as above, and then continuing to swipe the pen down through the records, in accordance with another embodiment. Lastly, discontiguous records are selected by repeating the above sequence for two or more discontiguous groups of records. Previous selections are maintained until the user executes any other non-selection action.
US07941763B2 Image processing apparatus operating as based on history of utilized function and method of controlling the same
An image processing apparatus is connected on a network to another image processing apparatus and has an operation portion displayed at a display portion for implementing a function setting of a combination corresponding to a condition when a history of a function utilized in the other image processing apparatus by a user authenticated by a user authentication portion satisfies that condition.
US07941762B1 Display of real time information for selected possibilities
One or more possibilities that are normally displayed in response to input from a user are augmented with real time information. Displaying real time information for one or more of the possibilities enables the user to take such information into account in deciding whether or not to continue with an action that the user was in the process of performing. For example, if a partial data entry provided by the user is indicative of an extension number to be dialed to place a phone call, and if a telephone call manager that receives the user's input displays call activity indicating that the user's intended callee is already on the phone, the user may decide to wait until the callee becomes available (as indicated by a change in callee's call activity).
US07941761B2 Third party service switching through command bar user interface
A graphical user interface allows users to access multiple third party services (e.g., online media services) and enables the services to provide functionality within the GUI adjacent to core functionality of a host application (e.g., a media player application, operating system shell, etc.). The GUI provides an interface region for third party service functionality that is distinct from, but equal in exposure and prominence to, the core functionality provided by the application hosting the GUI. The GUI enables seamless switching between a list of available services provided in a service menu. Switching between services replaces service function buttons and service branding according to particular service customizations.
US07941752B2 System and method for representation of user preference and policy in contact list
System and method for representing preference and policy in a contact list are described. One embodiment is a graphical user interface (“GUI”) for displaying a directory of contacts of a user. The GUI comprises a list of contacts displayed in a first window of the GUI; for each contact in the list of contacts, a preference and policy category for the contact, wherein the preference and policy category for the contact is displayed in the first window of the GUI; and for each contact in the list of contacts, a feature icon indicative of whether a feature is enabled for the contact according to the preference and policy category for the contact, wherein the feature icon is displayed in association with the contact in the first window of the GUI.
US07941729B2 Data storage device and error processing method in its read processing
Embodiments in accordance with the present invention help a disk drive to effectively cope with a data address mark detection error. In one embodiment, a data sector is provided with plural data address marks and an read/write (RW) channel reads out the data sector using part of those data address marks. Each divisional section of a split sector has two data address marks and the RW channel uses one of the two data address marks. A data address mark to be used is specified by a register. When an error occurs in detecting a data address mark, its position is stored in a register. Based on the error position, an error recovery processing section stores, in the register, a data address mark to be used in a next retry.
US07941717B2 IC testing methods and apparatus
A method and apparatus for testing an integrated circuit core or circuitry external to an integrated circuit core using a testing circuit passes a test vector from a parallel input of the testing circuit along a shift register circuit. The shift register circuit is configured to bypass one or more cores not being tested and to provide the test vector to a core scan chain of the core being tested. The bypassed cores are configured such that the associated shift register circuit portion is driven to a hold mode in which storage elements of the shift register circuit portion have their outputs coupled to their inputs. This method provides holding of the shift register stages when a core is bypassed and in a test mode, and this means the shift register stages are less prone to errors resulting from changes in clock signals applied to the shift register stages.
US07941716B2 Method for race prevention and a device having race prevention capabilities
A method for race prevention includes: selectively providing data or scan data to a input latching logic, activating the input latching logic for a first scan mode activation period, introducing a substantial time shift between the first scan mode activation period and a second scan mode activation period, and activating a output latching logic, connected to the input latching logic for a second scan mode activation period. A device having race prevention capabilities includes: an interface logic, a input latching logic, a output latching logic and a control logic. The interface logic is adapted to selectively provide data or scan data to the input latching logic. The control logic is adapted to introduce a substantial time difference between an end point of a first scan mode activation period of the input latching logic and a start point of a second scan mode activation period of the output latching logic.
US07941715B2 Asynchronous set-reset circuit device
An asynchronous set-reset circuit device for testing activity performed by an Automatic Test Patterns Generation tool may include a pair of logic gates having at least two inputs each, and a logic gate structure coupled upstream from the pair of logic gates. The logic gate structure may be for driving one respective input of the pair of logic gates and may have inputs receiving a pair of test command signals. The asynchronous set-reset circuit device may also include a plurality of feedback connections between outputs of the pair of logic gates and respective inputs of the logic gate structure.
US07941714B2 Parallel bit test apparatus and parallel bit test method capable of reducing test time
A parallel bit test (PBT) apparatus, included in memory chips that are stacked in a multi-chip package (MCP) and that share a set of data signal lines, may include: a comparing unit to output a data signal representative of a comparison between test data signals provided to a given one of the memory chips and corresponding data signals output therefrom, respectively; and a coding unit to output the representative data signal using a first subset of the shared set of data signal lines, the first subset not overlapping other subsets used by coding units corresponding to the other ones of the memory chips, respectively, the coding unit selecting one or more of the data signal lines amongst the shared set of data signal lines for inclusion in the first subset according to a first test mode register set (MRS) signal.
US07941711B2 Determining bit error rate using single data burst
A communication system includes a transceiver capable of receiving a data burst as part of a paging block and a processing logic capable of comparing at least part of the data burst to a plurality of permutations of the data burst to locate a matching permutation. The processing logic determines a bit error rate (BER) in accordance with a difference between the data burst and the matching permutation. The processing logic uses the BER to operate the communication system.
US07941707B2 Gathering information for use in diagnostic data dumping upon failure occurrence
Techniques for gathering information during runtime of a monitored system such that the information is available for facilitating diagnostics for the monitored system. In one embodiment, upon detection of a condition (such as an error condition) in the monitored system, a portion of the gathered information provides contextual information that facilitates gathering of diagnostic data that is relevant for the detected condition. This facilitates capturing of diagnostic data that is relevant for diagnosing the detected condition. The information gathered and stored during runtime may include information related to local variables, information related to tagged information (e.g., tagged functions/processes) executing in the monitored system, information related to potential impacts to the monitored system due to failures, metadata information, and other information.
US07941704B2 Maintenance management system, database server, maintenance management program, and maintenance management method
A maintenance management system according to the present invention has an electronic device and a database server. In one embodiment of the invention, the electronic device further includes: (1) a log generating unit for collecting states of components and generating a log when a failure is detected during execution of a process; (2) a DB inquiry unit for transmitting the log to the database server and making an inquiry about whether firmware capable of solving the failure exists; and (3) an updating process unit for obtaining firmware capable of solving the failure from the database server and updating firmware in the electronic device with the obtained firmware. In addition, the database server further includes: a storing unit for storing a database having version information of firmware and failure correction information; and an inquiry responding unit for identifying when firmware for solving the failure exists.
US07941701B2 Fuzzy classification approach to fault pattern matching
A method and apparatus are provided for diagnosing faults in a monitored system. Estimates of parameter data are generated from the system with reference parameter data characteristic of known behavior of the system. The generated estimates of the parameter data are compared with measured parameter data. A residual is determined for each of the parameters based on a relationship between the estimates of the parameter data and the measured parameter data. A fuzzy classification rule is implemented to determine a likelihood that a predetermined fault exists by using residuals for parameters used to indicate the existence of the predetermined fault.
US07941698B1 Selective availability in processor systems
Processor operating methods and integrated circuits are described. According to one embodiment, an integrated circuit includes a processor configured to execute a first application and to redundantly execute a second application while executing the first application, the first application being different from the second application. According to another embodiment, a processor operating method includes receiving a request to execute an application using a processor having a plurality of processor cores. The method also includes, in response to the receiving, determining whether the application should be executed redundantly or non-redundantly, non-redundantly executing the application using one processor core of the plurality if the determining comprises determining that the application should be executed non-redundantly, and redundantly executing the application using two or more processor cores of the plurality if the determining comprises determining that the application should be executed redundantly.
US07941687B2 Method and apparatus for digital I/O expander chip with multi-function timer cells
A method and apparatus for digital I/O expander chip with multi-function timer cells have been disclosed. A series of match reload registers load a series of match registers which are driven by a master counter. The status of the match registers can be retrieved through ports. The master counter is reloaded on rollover by a count limit register. The master counter has increment/decrement control and the rollover can be used in an interrupt control block to generate an interrupt request.
US07941683B2 Data processing device with low-power cache access mode
A processor can operate in three different modes. In an active mode, a first voltage is provided to the processor, where the first voltage is sufficient to allow the processor to execute instructions. In a low-power mode, a retention voltage is provided to the processor. The processor consumes less power in the retention mode than in the active mode. In addition, the processor can operate in a third mode, where a voltage is provided to the processor sufficient to allow the processor to process cache messages, such as coherency messages, but not execute other normal operations or perform normal operations at a very low speed relative to their performance in the active mode.
US07941677B2 Apparatus and methods for managing power distribution over Ethernet
A network apparatus and method for managing power supplied to a network device. A plurality of power inputs to the network device are scanned to ascertain if a power signal is present and to identify an active power source. Available power is determined from the active power source and required power for the network device and any operatively connected auxiliary devices is also determined. The required power is compared to available power to determine if available power is sufficient to power the network device. An operation of the network device is controlled based upon the active power source and/or if available power is insufficient to power the network device.
US07941675B2 Adaptive power control
A method and system of adaptive power control. Characteristics of a specific integrated circuit are used to adaptively control power of the integrated circuit.
US07941666B2 Payment smart cards with hierarchical session key derivation providing security against differential power analysis and other attacks
Chip cards are used to secure credit and debit payment transactions. To prevent fraudulent transactions, the card must protect cryptographic keys used to authenticate transactions. In particular, cards should resist differential power analysis and/or other attacks. To address security risks posed by leakage of partial information about keys during cryptographic transactions, cards may be configured to perform periodic cryptographic key update operations. The key update transformation prevents adversaries from exploiting partial information that may have been leaked about the card's keys. Update operations based on a hierarchical structure can enable efficient transaction verification by allowing a verifying party (e.g., an issuer) to derive a card's current state from a transaction counter and its initial state by performing one operation per level in the hierarchy, instead of progressing through all update operations performed by the card.
US07941662B2 Data transfer efficiency in a cryptography accelerator system
Methods and apparatus are provided for performing authentication and decryption operations in a cryptography accelerator system. Input data passed to a cryptography accelerator from a host such a CPU includes information for a cryptography accelerator to determine where to write the processed data. In one example, processed data is formatted as packet payloads in a network buffer. Checksum information is precalculated and an offset for a header is maintained.
US07941650B2 Microprocessor based on event-processing instruction set and event-processing method using the same
Provided are a microprocessor based on event-processing instruction set and an event-processing method using the same. The microprocessor includes an event register controlling an event according to an event-processing instruction set provided in an instruction set architecture (ISA) and an event controller transmitting externally generated events into the microprocessor. Therefore, the microprocessor may be useful to reduce its unnecessary power consumption by suspending the execution of its program when an instruction decoded to execute the program is an event-processing instruction, and also to cut off its unnecessary power consumption that is caused for an interrupt delay period since the program of the microprocessor may be executed again by immediately re-running the microprocessor with the operation of the event register and the event controller when external events are generated.
US07941645B1 Isochronous pipelined processor with deterministic control
An isochronous processor includes a state register, a functional unit, a control module, and an activation unit. The state register includes an arm buffer and an active buffer. The functional unit performs a transformation operation on the data stream in response to an active value of the control parameter obtained from the active buffer. The control module updates the arm value of the control parameter in the arm buffer in response to control instructions. The activation unit detects a load event propagating with the data stream and transfers the parameter value from the arm buffer to the active buffer in response to the load event. During this transfer, the control module is inhibited from updating the arm buffer.
US07941630B2 Storage system for a storage pool and virtual volumes
This invention provides a storage system to store data used by computers. A storage system coupled to a computer and a management apparatus, includes storage devices accessed by the computer and a control unit that controls the storage devices, in which the control unit performs the following operations: setting, in the storage devices, a first virtual device including a first logical device; setting a second virtual device which including a second logical device, which is a virtual volume accessed by the computer; allocating an address of the first logical device to the second logical device; and changing the allocation to change storage areas of the virtual volume.
US07941596B2 Locating media by characteristics in storage apparatus
Backup storage apparatus and related methods having a controller for controlling and monitoring a robotics assembly that loads and unloads storage media into and from storage devices and an operator control panel coupled to the controller for controlling functions of and displaying information regarding the apparatus. A user interface that is displayable on the operator control panel is operative to allow input of a storage media characteristic, locate media using the input storage media characteristic, and retrieve the location of the desired storage media corresponding to the characteristic that was input.
US07941586B2 Flash memory device and memory system controlling a copy-back program operation in hardware
A memory system comprises a flash memory, a processing unit, and a flash controller including address and control registers, the address and control registers being configured to receive information from the processing unit, wherein the flash controller is configured to control a copy-back program operation of the flash memory in hardware based on information stored in the address and control registers.
US07941580B2 Apparatus and methods for providing keypress commands and directional commands to a mobile computing device
Various embodiments for providing directional commands for a mobile computing device are described. In one or more embodiments, a mobile computing device may comprise a keypad arranged to operate in multiple modes including a standard mode and a directional mode such as a gaming mode, for example. The standard mode may support all of the preset and programmable commands and functions typically provided for normal operation of the mobile computing device. The directional mode may associate certain directional commands with multiple keys and/or buttons of the keypad so that most keystrokes and keystroke combinations input by a user will be interpreted as a particular directional command. The directional mode may be used when running applications which respond primarily to directional commands such as gaming applications. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07941575B2 Pause request processing for data traffic modification
Apparatus and associated systems and methods may relate to a data traffic modification system that may include a processing module to handle SATA-compliant data transfers in which a source device or a target device issues requests to pause and subsequently to resume the data transfer. In various implementations, a data traffic modification device may selectively modify data traffic upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition. In one illustrative example, if a target device for the data transfer issues a pause request (e.g., to prevent a buffer overflow), the data traffic modification device may generate a pause acknowledge signal to the target device within a response time specified by the protocol. In another illustrative example, if a source device for the data transfer issues a pause request, the data traffic modification device may generate a pause acknowledge signal to the source device within the response time specified by the protocol.
US07941570B2 Bi-directional data transfer within a single I/O operation
An article of manufacture, apparatus, and a method for facilitating input/output (I/O) processing for an I/O operation at a host computer system configured for communication with a control unit. The method includes the host computer system obtaining a transport command word (TCW) for an I/O operation having both input and output data. The TCW specifies a location of the output data and a location for storing the input data. The host computer system forwards the I/O operation to the control unit for execution. The host computer system gathers the output data responsive to the location of the output data specified by the TCW, and then forwards the output data to the control unit for use in the execution of the I/O operation. The host computer system receives the input data from the control unit and stores the input data at the location specified by the TCW.
US07941563B2 Address translation equipment, terminal equipment and mobile communication method
A packet sent in a mobile IP communication between different regions passes through a particular address translation unit, so that the communication route cannot be optimized. The packet cannot be delivered to a mobile node not having a fixed home address. To overcome the difficulties, the address translation unit includes a function to process the mobile IPv6 protocol. The mobile node includes a function to dynamically acquire a home address. A first network and a second network each identify the mobile node by a SIP (session initiation protocol) identifier. The mobile node acquires a home address on the second network and registers a corresponding relation between the identifiers and the home address thereof. A terminal on the second network acquires the home address of the mobile node from information of the mobile node registered to the SIP server according to a SIP procedure.
US07941561B2 System and method for communications over a computer network
A system and method for formatted inter-node communications over a computer network comprises a transmitting node transmitting a message in a format acceptable to the receiving node. Message templates are created by the receiving node and then stored in a repository accessible by both the transmitting node and the receiving node. The message templates are identified by a digital ID tag and comprise a pattern of labeled fields visible to the transmitting node and accessible for message input by the transmitting node. When the transmitting nodes wishes to send a message only those templates acceptable to the receiving node will be available to the transmitting node.
US07941557B2 Dynamical routing for text messaging
Routing text messages. A mobile message (MM) is received from an application program or other message source, and includes a destination identifier, such as a phone number. Based on the destination identifier, a routing server determines whether the MM is to be locally routed to a destination carrier, or forwarded to a remote server that provides access to the destination carrier. For local routing, the routing server determines a channel to the carrier based on predefined carrier information, the destination user information, and the carrier gateway dynamic information. The predefined carrier information indicates predicted availability or reliability of each of a plurality of channels to the carrier. The destination user information indicates availability of the destination user to receive messages, and includes a destination user criterion for determining one of the channels. The carrier gateway dynamic information indicates current and statistical traffic information for each of the channels.
US07941555B2 Management and prioritization of media item downloading
The disclosed embodiments relate generally to the downloading of media items. The media items may include, for example, audio, video, image, or podcast data. In accordance with one embodiment, two or more media items may be concurrently downloaded. In accordance with another embodiment, a user may control the downloading of each of the media items, as desired. More particularly, the user may choose to download, pause, or resume downloading one or more media items identified in the list of media items. In other words, the user may alter the download status of any of the items in the list of media items. In addition, the user may re-prioritize the order in which the media items in the list or a subset thereof are to be downloaded.
US07941551B2 Tunneling of remote desktop sessions through firewalls
Endpoints are enabled to facilitate desktop and/or application sharing in enhanced communication systems using Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) protocols by tunneling RDP packets through an Interactive Connection Establishment (ICE) channel built-in within the Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP), thus allowing RDP sessions to traverse Network Address Translators (NATs) or firewalls.
US07941548B2 Wireless network security mechanism including reverse network address translation
Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to preventing unauthorized access to internal network addresses transmitted across wireless networks. According to the invention, mobile stations are assigned virtual client network addresses that are used as the outer network addresses in a Virtual Private Network (VPN) infrastructure, as well as unique internal network addresses used as the inner network addresses. In one implementation, the virtual client network addresses have little to no relation to the internal network addressing scheme implemented on the network domain. In one implementation, all clients or mobile stations are assigned the same virtual client network address. A translation layer, in one implementation, intermediates the VPN session between the mobile stations and a VPN server to translate the virtual client network addresses to the internal network addresses based on the medium access control (MAC) address corresponding to the mobile stations. In this manner, the encryption inherent in the VPN infrastructure prevents access to the internal network addresses assigned to the mobile stations.
US07941541B2 Wireless data output method for rendering digital content accessed from a mobile information apparatus
An electronic system and method of pervasive output allow an information apparatus to output data content conveniently to virtually any output device. One method includes establishing a communication channel between the information apparatus and an output device and receiving at the information apparatus over the communication channel an attributes corresponding to the output device. The output device may then be selected at the information apparatus based at least in part on the attributes. The data content is delivered to the output device for rendering.
US07941537B2 System, method, and computer-readable medium for resource migration in a distributed telecommunication system
A system, method, and computer-readable medium for resource migration in a distributed telecommunication system is provided. Respective sets of performance parameters of a first plurality of nodes disposed in a first node group and a second plurality of nodes in a second node group are collected. Service capabilities of the first node group and the second node group are evaluated based on the sets of performance parameters. One node group of the first node group and the second node group is designated as a currently preferred node group in response to evaluation of the service capabilities. The steps of collecting, evaluating, and designating are repeated a plurality of times. The currently preferred node group is designated as an active preferred node group in the event that a sequence of evaluating service capabilities each results in the one node group being designated as the currently preferred node group.
US07941533B2 System and method for single sign-on session management without central server
A method and system for single sign-on session management. Functions of session management and client log-in, normally handled by separate system servers, are incorporated as plug-in modules on individual web content servers. In this manner, network traffic to grant and validate client user credentials is reduced or minimized.
US07941532B2 Method and apparatus for conducting a transaction between transaction processing systems
When investigating a failure occurring in a transaction between information processing apparatuses, it is possible to reduce the time required for the failure investigation. A first local ID for identifying a transaction processing of first information processing apparatus is related with a standard ID for relating transaction processing of the first and the second information processing apparatuses with each other the related IDs and are stored in a first mapping table. The standard ID and a transaction processing request are transmitted to the second information processing apparatus to request execution of a transaction processing therefor. If a failure occurs in the requested transaction processing, a standard ID of the transaction processing concerned is specified to inquire a second local ID for identifying the transaction processing. Mapping information for relating the first local ID corresponding to the specified standard ID with the transmitted second local ID is generated.
US07941523B2 Adapting information technology structures to maintain service levels
A method and system for adapting an Information Technology (IT) structure to maintain service levels. An IT structure is deployed in an IT delivery environment. A service level associated with the IT structure is specified. At least one operational characteristic of the IT structure corresponding to the specified service level is identified. For each identified operational characteristic, a corresponding threshold is established in such that if the corresponding threshold is violated then the specified service level is not sustained. After establishing the thresholds, operation of the IT structure is monitored. The monitoring detects a condition wherein a measured value of a first operational characteristic has violated the corresponding threshold associated with the first operational characteristic such that the specified service level is not sustained by the measured value of the first operational characteristic, causing degradation of the specified service level.
US07941521B1 Multi-service management architecture employed within a clustered node configuration
A monitoring system is described which simplifies the management of complex, multi-tiered networks such as those used in large enterprises. One embodiment of the system is implemented on a cluster of application servers which are communicatively coupled together on a network to serve applications over the network to a plurality of clients. One embodiment of the monitoring system is built from a group of services. An administration service generates a plurality of runtime management beans (“MBeans”) on each of the server nodes of the cluster and associates each of the runtime MBeans with specified server node resources. In addition, in one embodiment, a notification service generates cluster-wide notifications in response to certain specified events associated with certain resources of certain MBeans. The notification service distributes the notifications across all, or a subset of, the server nodes of the cluster. In addition, a monitor service generates monitor MBeans corresponding to selected runtime MBeans. The monitor MBeans are arranged in a hierarchical tree structure and are configured to receive monitoring data from associated runtime MBeans.
US07941518B2 Collaboration system and method among heterogeneous nomadic and mobile communication networks using grid services
The present invention relates to a collaboration system and method among heterogeneous nomadic/mobile communication networks using a grid service. By using a system in which GSI (Grid Service Infrastructure) is overlaid on heterogeneous nomadic/mobile communication networks, access to resources that are accessible with different interfaces can be made with a single standard interface. Further, a vertical hand-off among heterogeneous networks and access to location information can be easily performed. In addition, mutual operationality among networks can be improved and an efficient collaboration environment can be constructed.
US07941516B2 Redundant pile of inexpensive drivers (RPID)
The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or method that manages storage media associated with a plurality of disparate devices. The disclosed system can include a network of disparate devices wherein each device in the network can be associated with storage media. Additionally, the disclosed system can also include a component that identifies each device in the network, associates a likelihood that the device will periodically leave or rejoin the network, and utilizes the associated likelihood to construct a logical redundant pile of inexpensive disks comprising the storage media associated with the disparate devices.
US07941512B2 Use of IPv6 in access networks
An embodiment method may comprise establishing a link layer connection to an access server, obtaining a management address, wherein the management address is at least one of an IPv6 and an IPv4 address, obtaining a TFTP server address, wherein the server address is either IPv6 or IPv4, downloading a configuration file from the TFTP server, registering with the access server as IPv6 capable, maintaining an IP address/prefix-MAC mapping database, and determining whether the IPv6 address belongs to a particular media access control (MAC) address based on the IP address/prefix-MAC mapping database.
US07941504B2 Global peripheral device sharing system and method
A global peripheral device (GPD) sharing system enables users to remotely utilize various peripheral devices via a connection, such as the worldwide web (Internet). Client software is loaded on the computers associated with the users and the owners of the peripheral devices. A centralized GPD server is connected to a storage and queue appliance for maintaining a function queue, such as “print files”. A GPD sharing method is also provided for providing users with temporary or permanent functional access to remote peripheral devices, which can be accessed through PCs or dedicated devices connected to the GPDs owned by the device owners. The GPD system operates cross-platform permitting users and owners of peripheral devices to communicate although they may not be using the same computing platform, or only one party has a license for software or a peripheral device.
US07941488B2 Authorizing message publication to a group of subscribing clients via a publish/subscribe service
Publishing electronic messages to clients within a group in a Pub/Sub message publishing environment wherein the group includes authorized participating clients in network communication with a pub/sub service. A client is authenticated for authority to publish messages to a selected group of subscribing clients.
US07941482B2 System and method for managing performance between multiple peers in a peer-to-peer environment
A method of dynamically balancing a load on a fully connected grid (FCG) in a peer-to-peer environment includes determining if a first number of peers connected in a first FCG is greater than a preselected limit. If the first number of peers connected to the first FCG is greater than the preselected limit, then partitioning the first FCG into two or more subdivided FCGs, wherein each of the subdivided FCGs includes at least one peer connection that was previously connected in the first FCG. A subdivided location identifier can also be published for each respective resource included in each peer connection. A system for dynamically balancing a load on a fully connected grid (FCG) in a peer-to-peer environment is also described.
US07941477B2 Video and multimedia distribution system
Digital media content-on-demand hosting/delivery system for using an n-tier, multi dimension dynamic data technology to distribute digital content and manage information and comprising separate delivery and end-user systems with separate but compatible software, the hosting/delivery system being sub-divided into distributed hosting clusters serving small groups of users, ensuring local balance and overcoming diversity of connection/streaming speeds of end users.
US07941475B2 Programmable filter circuits and methods
Embodiments of the present invention include programmable filter circuits and methods. In one embodiment, the present invention includes a programmable filter for filtering an input signal comprising a storage element for storing a plurality of digital values representing a discrete time window function, and a plurality of filter channels, each channel comprising a multiplying digital-to-analog converter having a plurality of digital inputs coupled to the storage element and an analog input for receiving said input signal to be filtered, at least one capacitor having at least one terminal coupled to an output of the multiplying digital-to-analog converter, and a sampling device coupled between the at least one terminal of the at least one capacitor and an output of the filter. In another embodiment, the present invention includes a software defined radio.
US07941472B1 Serial correlator architecture
An apparatus for correlating multibit first and second words includes a multiplexer for selecting one bit at a time of the second word, and applying the bit to a multiplier which receives the first word, for generating a product by inverting or noninverting the first word. The product is applied to an adder and is added to a delayed parallel signal to produce a sum signal. The sum signal is delayed in an amount related to the number of bits in the first word to produce the delayed parallel signal. A plurality of such apparatuses are cascaded, with the bits of the second word applied in subsets to the apparatuses, and the partial correlations applied as input words to the next apparatus in the cascade.
US07941469B2 Method and system for managing data transaction requests
In one embodiment, a method is provided for processing data transactions in a data store that includes databases. In this method, a data transaction request is received from a requesting computer. Different databases are then identified from the databases using a data access layer that defines an abstraction layer. The data transmission request is then split into multiple data transaction requests, and a part of these requests is then communicated to at least one of the identified databases.
US07941468B2 Infringer finder
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for an infringer finder to search public information sources for possible patent infringers. Some embodiments provide for analyzing an issued patent, associated patent support data, such as Patent and Trademark Office (PTO) information, and other reference materials, along with user input to create a patent search profile. Using the patent search profile, a search is made of public information sources and a report is generated summarizing possible patent infringement targets.
US07941464B2 Reassembling fragmented files or documents in a file order-independent manner
Files can be reassembled from fragments by (a) accepting (or determining) adjacency scores for each pair of fragments from a set of fragments, (b) identifying header fragments from among the fragments of the set of fragments, and (c) for each of the header fragments identified, reconstructing a corresponding one of two or more files from the fragments of the set of fragments such that the sum of the adjacency scores are optimized. Any of the fragments, other than the identified header fragments, are permitted to belong, at least provisionally, to more than one of the at least two files when reconstructing the file(s).
US07941463B2 Methods of transforming application layer structure as objects
Embodiments consistent with the invention transform business application logic entities or structures into OOP structures that represent the data, relationships, and operations of the business application structures. The business application structures are transformed from the application level, including consideration of the business application logic and relationships. In one embodiment, transformation is done using a set of automated transformation rules. The resulting OOP structure model of the business application structure may be used with OOP tools to analyze, maintain, debug, modify, and revise the business application structure, and to create new structures for the business application.
US07941462B2 Method and apparatus for classification of coronary artery image data
A polyline tree representation of a coronary artery tree imaged in a volume data set is obtained, and its topology is extracted to give a topological representation indicating the relative positions of vessels in the tree. The topological representation is compared with a set of topological rules to find possible anatomical classifications for each vessel, and a set of candidate labeled polyline trees is generated by labeling the polyline tree with labels showing each combination of possible anatomical classifications. Each candidate labeled tree is filtered according to a set of geometric rules pertaining to spatial characteristics of vessels in arterial trees, and any labeled tree not satisfying the geometric rules is rejected A figure of merit is calculated for each remaining candidate by comparing features of the vessels measured from the polyline tree and from the volume data set with features of correctly classified vessels in other data sets to determine the probable correctness of the labeling of each candidate, and the candidate with the best figure of merit is selected as showing the proper classification of the vessels.
US07941454B2 Apparatus, methods and computer programs for monitoring processing in a data processing system or network
Event-generation metadata is used to control the run-time environment of a system implementing a component architecture. A service provider program (40,100) implementing a component architecture is provided with event-generation functions that are configurable by the metadata to generate and send events. The metadata can be implemented as properties of an EJB deployment descriptor associated with a program component (30) for configuring event generation functions of an EJB container (40), to generate and send events to an events service (110). The events can be used to monitor processing of an application.
US07941445B2 Managing project schedule data using separate current and historical task schedule data and revision numbers
A project management system manages project schedule data using separate current and historical task schedule data structures. In general, current schedule data is stored separately from historical schedule data, so that the current schedule data may be retrieved separately from the historical task schedule data. The project management system may also maintain unscheduled tasks as “to-do lists.” Tasks may be added to a member's schedule without specifying any planned dates and the tasks are added to the database. The tasks have an associated revision number of 0 to indicate that the tasks were added, but not yet scheduled. The tasks are displayed in the member schedule editor and in Web page schedules. The tasks may then be displayed in the member schedule editor and in Web page schedules in a manner that allows a user to readily determine that the tasks are “to-do list” tasks.
US07941442B2 Object similarity search in high-dimensional vector spaces
An object search system generates a hierarchical clustering of objects of a collection based on similarity of the objects. The object search system generates a separate hierarchical clustering of objects for multiple features of the objects. To identify objects similar to a target object, the object search system first generates a feature vector for the target object. For each feature of the feature vector, the object search system uses the hierarchical clustering of objects to identify the cluster of objects that is most “feature similar” to that feature of the target object. The object search system indicates the similarity of each candidate object based on the features for which the candidate object is similar.
US07941440B2 Domain independent system and method of automating data aggregation
A computer automated method of aggregating data includes the steps of inputting a set of user-defined instructions into a computer database system, inputting a user query into the computer database system, mining the computer database system for data relevant to the user query, creating a data set comprising said data relevant to the user query, and aggregating data in the data set using domain metrics selected based on any of predefined and configurable rules and past user usage.
US07941431B2 Electronic document repository management and access system
A system and a method providing for the distribution and management of a large corpus of value added electronic documents while providing customized services to a plurality of diverse end users.
US07941429B2 Interface for visually searching and navigating objects
Interfaces, apparatuses, and methods for searching and navigating a set of objects are provided. In one example, an interface includes a field for entering filter criteria for searching a set of objects and a display portion for displaying tiles associated with the objects according to the filter criteria. The tiles are displayed such that the best match to the filter criteria is displayed centrally and/or larger relative to other displayed tiles within the display portion. For example, the set of objects may be ranked according to the filter criteria by a suitable algorithm to determine the object having the highest rank or best match to the filter criteria. Further, tiles associated with lower ranked objects may be displayed concentrically around the best match such that the display centers on the tiles associated with the highest ranked objects per the filter criteria.
US07941423B2 Virtual pair algorithm for outer join resolution
A system and method for executing semijoin reductions on outer join operations are presented. Tuple lists are created based on a query. A sequence of semijoin reduction steps are performed, where each semijoin reduction step either switches one tuple list, or reduces all tuple lists at one relation. Virtual connector pairs are inserted into the tuple lists, and then all tuple lists are centralized at a common host. The join results are assembled at the common host, and negative row IDs are substituted. From the join result, the query result is retrieved by projecting to the requested attributes.
US07941414B2 Executing non-blocking parallel scans
Executing non-blocking parallel scans is disclosed. One embodiment includes determining if one or more threads have completed scanning one or more assigned portions of a first division of the data set. The identified one or more threads are directed to immediately scan the portions of a next division of the data set that are identified as available for scanning, upon completing the scanning of assigned portions of the first division of the data set. The threads are directed to immediately scan portions of the next division of the data set free of a need to wait until other threads complete scanning assigned portions of the first division of the data set.
US07941402B2 Storing and using classes in databases
Methods and apparatus, including computer systems and program products, for storing and using, such as classes, in databases. One implementation provides a technique for receiving a specified name, retrieving one or more from a database, and for each resource, one or more attributes associated with the resource, wherein each comprises executable instruction code, and wherein the attributes include a name that matches the specified name. The technique further provides for selecting one of the retrieved based on the attributes associated with each resource, and loading the selected into a runtime system. The attributes may include an archive name, an upload time, a package name, a checksum, a development flag, and/or a user name. By utilizing this technique, end-user or development sessions operative on application servers have the capability to use multiple different versions of classes in runtime environments without interfering with other operative sessions.
US07941401B2 Distributed data management system
A distributed data management system has multiple virtual machine nodes operating on multiple computers that are in communication with each other over a computer network. Each virtual machine node includes at least one data store or “bucket” for receiving data. A digital hash map data structure is stored in a computer readable medium of at least one of the multiple computers to configure the multiple virtual machine nodes and buckets to provide concurrent, non-blocking access to data in the buckets, the digital hash map data structure including a mapping between the virtual machine nodes and the buckets. The distributed data management system employing dynamic scalability in which one or more buckets from a virtual machine node reaching a memory capacity threshold are transferred to another virtual machine node that is below its memory capacity threshold.
US07941399B2 Collaborative authoring
A collaborative authoring application provides an authoring environment in which two or more users can edit a document concurrently. Each user edits a copy of the document, sends updates to a master copy of the document, and receives updates from the master copy of the document. The authoring environment generally inhibits the users from providing conflicting editing instructions to the master copy of the document. For example, each user can generate a content lock about one or more data units within the document. The authoring environment may synchronize content locks automatically and content only at the request of the user.
US07941395B2 System for storing documents in a repository
A system stores documents in a repository and includes a repository for storing data representing a document. An interface processor receives and stores document data representing a first document and an associated document identifier. A document processor automatically parses and processes the received document data to identify and store data indicating: (a) internal document structure and characteristics, and (b) external document relationships. The internal document structure and characteristics include a compilation of searchable keywords and key values. The external document relationships include an association or hierarchical relationship between the first document and one or more different documents.
US07941393B2 Method for predictive determination of a process variable based on an assignment of a discrete measured value
A system and method are disclosed for predictive determination of a process variable (P) in a technical installation. Measured values for the process variable (P) are recorded at predeterminable points in time. Temporally successive recorded measured values are combined to form a weighted measured value. A discrete measured value is assigned to each weighted measured value. Each weighted measured value that lies in a predeterminable tolerance band is assigned a same discrete measured value. A future temporal progression of the process variable (P) is estimated using a linear regression of the discrete measured values, and a point in time in which the process variable (P) reaches a predeterminable limit value is calculated.
US07941386B2 Forensic systems and methods using search packs that can be edited for enterprise-wide data identification, data sharing, and management
A method of automatically identifying relevant or suspect data during a digital forensic investigation is described. Software accepts as input raw data which are extracted from various digital data sources. The software or digital forensic and data identification application determines to which one or more identification modules the unknown raw data should be delivered to for processing. This determination is based on the type of data in the extracted raw data coming into the application. Suspect or relevant data that are identified includes that data that are identical to or similar to the extracted unknown raw data. If there are suspect data, the application transmits a message or alert to interested parties or stores the findings/report on an a storage device. In this manner, the suspect data are identified automatically, without intervention by a human being. The identification modules are invoked in a search markup language interpreter and the one or more identification modules are expressed in a search markup language specifically for digital forensics and receives parameters from the search language for processing.
US07941383B2 Maintaining state transition data for a plurality of users, modeling, detecting, and predicting user states and behavior
Mechanisms model, detect, and predict user behavior as a user navigates the Web. In one embodiment, mechanisms model user behavior using predictive models, such as discrete Markov processes, where the user's behavior transitions between a finite number of states. The user's behavior state may not be directly observable (e.g., a user does not proactively indicate what behavior state he is in). Thus, the behavior state of a user is usually only indirectly observable. Mechanisms use predictive models, such as hidden Markov models, to predict the transitions in the user's behavior states.
US07941374B2 System and method for changing a personal profile or context during a transaction
A method for changing a personal profile or context during a transaction, is described. In one embodiment, the method is to be implemented on a system. In one embodiment the method comprises receiving travel selections for a first leg of an itinerary; receiving an assignment of the travel selections for the first leg to a first profile; receiving travel selections for a second leg of the itinerary; receiving an assignment of the travel selections for the second leg to a second profile; and billing for the first and second legs of the itinerary as a single multi-leg travel itinerary, and billing the first leg of the itinerary to the first profile and billing the second leg of the itinerary to the second profile.
US07941373B1 System for electronic transaction settlement
An electronic communication system associated with a settlement house for settling an electronic transaction between a customer and a merchant. The communication system is configured to receive through a first electronic communication path a first account identifier of a first account associated with the customer and a transaction amount from the merchant, contact the customer through a second electronic communication path to allow the customer to select a payment method, and send through a third electronic communication path the transaction amount and a second account identifier of a second account associated with the customer to a financial services provider associated with the payment method.
US07941372B2 Systems and methods for receiving an allocation of an amount between transaction accounts
A financial account issuer facilitating transactions between accounts is disclosed. The invention provides sellers with an irrevocable method of receiving funds from a purchaser and for improving purchaser willingness to transact with an unknown party. The invention also enables the allocation of a portion or all of a charge or loyalty points to different transaction accounts issued by different issuers, or to sub-accounts.
US07941366B1 Systems and methods for providing a mortgage with a sliding credit line
Systems and methods consistent with the present invention provide a mortgage with a primary credit line and a sliding credit line, such that the borrower may request to borrow from the sliding credit line as part of the original mortgage. In one embodiment, the method includes determining a level of risk associated with the borrower based on credit information of the borrower; establishing a first credit line based on the determined level of risk associated with the borrower, the first credit line being set as a debt of the mortgage; establishing a second credit line based on the determined level of risk associated with the borrower, the second credit line being set as a maximum to which the debt of the mortgage may be increased during the mortgage; and offering the mortgage to the borrower with the established first and second credit lines, such that a single first lien may serve as security for the first and second credit lines. Moreover, a mortgage lender may record the single first lien as the sum of the primary and sliding credit lines.
US07941365B1 Systems and methods for providing a mortgage with a sliding credit line
Systems and methods consistent with the present invention provide a mortgage with a primary credit line and a sliding credit line, such that the borrower may request to borrow from the sliding credit line as part of the original mortgage. In one embodiment, the method includes determining a level of risk associated with the borrower based on credit information of the borrower; establishing a first credit line based on the determined level of risk associated with the borrower, the first credit line being set as a debt of the mortgage; establishing a second credit line based on the determined level of risk associated with the borrower, the second credit line being set as a maximum to which the debt of the mortgage may be increased during the mortgage; and offering the mortgage to the borrower with the established first and second credit lines, such that a single first lien may serve as security for the first and second credit lines. Moreover, a mortgage lender may record the single first lien as the sum of the primary and sliding credit lines.
US07941363B2 System, method and computer program product for managing credit decisions
A system, computer program product and method for deciding whether to make a loan to an applicant and/or terms of the loan. A first program function determines a credit risk of the applicant. A second program function computes a default probability of the applicant over time based on the credit risk. The second program function determines a surviving probability of an applicant based on the applicant's credit risk. The second program function determines the default probability for each month of the term of the loan based in part on the surviving probability. A third program function computes a sum of the expected profit during each month of a term of the loan based in part on the default probability.
US07941357B2 Trading system
A trading system whereby a user device to input stock market technical analysis makes requests from a computer terminal, wireless device or other electronic medium with intent to receive stock market technical analysis alerts from a server through wireless or land-line communication means.
US07941347B2 Self cancelling product order based on predetermined time period
A provider server receives an order from a customer by way of a workstation for a customer selected configuration change of computing resources of an end user machine, the provider server having a predetermined time period and negotiates configuration change price for billing said customer for the purchase of said ordered customer selected configuration change, said negotiated configuration change price for billing said customer for the purchase of said ordered customer selected configuration change. If the customer takes delivery of said customer selected configuration change within said predetermined time period, the provider server billing said customer for said delivered customer selected configuration change, however if the customer does not take delivery of said customer selected configuration change within said predetermined time period, the provider server cancelling said order and cancelling said billing according to said configuration change price based on expiration of said predetermined time period.
US07941340B2 Decompilation used to generate dynamic data driven advertisements
A dynamic advertisement creative is generated from a static advertisement creative. An advertisement creative is received. The advertisement creative is decompiled into a plurality of static elements. A user is enabled to select a static element of the plurality of static elements to be converted into a dynamic element. A dynamic version of the received advertisement creative is generated that includes a placeholder corresponding to the selected static element. The placeholder is configured to be dynamically populated with data. The data populating the placeholder may be dynamically selected each time the dynamic advertisement creative is displayed.
US07941338B2 Method of enabling a user to request targeted information from a printed interactive document
A method of enabling a user to request further information from an interactive document printed on a substrate is provided. The document includes targeted user information and coded data indicative of a document identity and of a plurality of map references on the document. The method comprises the steps of: (a) allocating and recording a document identity for the document in a computer system; (b) associating a map of the document with the document identity in the computer system; (c) causing the document to be printed on the substrate by a printer networked with the computer system; (d) receiving, in the computer system, indicating data from a sensing device; and (e) identifying in the computer system, using the indicating data and the recorded document identity, a parameter relating to the request.
US07941331B2 Determining order lead time for a supply chain using a probability distribution of order lead time
In one embodiment, determining order lead time for a supply chain includes generating probability distribution for expected order lead time options, where each probability distribution for expected order lead time option is associated with a category. A category that corresponds to a supply chain is identified. The supply chain has nodes, including a starting node and an ending node that supplies a customer, and designates a path from the starting node to the ending node. A probability distribution for expected order lead time option associated with the identified category is selected as a probability distribution for expected order lead time for the supply chain. The probability distribution for expected order lead time describes ending node demand for the ending node versus order lead time.
US07941328B2 Process of interfacing a patient indirectly with their own electronic medical records
A process of allowing a patient to have limited input access to their electronic medical record including the steps of forming a basic patient medical record in a computer through entry of information using a keyboard, providing the patient with a machine readable medical questionnaire concerning their history, environment, symptoms, and other pertinent information for answering by the patient, interfacing the machine readable medical questionnaire with a scanner to send the data stream to a microprocessor and converting the patient's answers to a protocol simulating the protocol from a party having authority to export data to the patient's medical record, and transferring the protocol-arranged data into the patient's medical record housed in a database through use of an interface engine.
US07941327B2 User monitoring
A user-based monitoring system, made up of a at least one of each of remote user-monitoring subsystem, central server and authorized-user computer. The user-based monitoring subsystem facilitates collection of user-related data and includes at least one monitoring unit. The central server is remotely located from, and configured for signal communication with, the remote user-monitoring subsystem. The authorized-user computer is remotely located from, and configured for two-way signal communication with, the central server. An authorized user communicates with the central server upon transmitting an identifying authorization code; and can receive reports, based on user-related data collected by a remote user-monitoring subsystem, from the central server. These reports include at least information on the current condition of the remote user being monitored.
US07941321B2 Facilitating management of service elements usable in providing information technology service offerings
A service element is defined and represented by a data structure. It includes one or more components and/or one or more other service elements. A service element providing a complete function is a service offering. Management of service elements and/or service offerings is facilitated by a Service Development Tool. In different aspects, the management includes various tasks associated with creating, modifying and deleting service elements, establishing relationships, error checking and optimization. In a further aspect, service elements are packaged and distributed to enable customers to deliver the service elements. Additionally, the hosting of software packages is facilitated.
US07941314B2 Fixed codebook search method and searcher
A fixed codebook search method includes: initializing a counter; searching for pulses and calculating the value of a cost function Qk; initializing the counter if the Qk value increases; increasing the value of the counter if the Qk value does not increase; judging whether the value of the counter is greater than the threshold value; continuing the search process if the value of the counter is not greater than the threshold value; and ending the whole search process if the value of the counter is greater than the threshold value. The present invention reduces the search count and improves the search efficiency.
US07941313B2 System and method for transmitting speech activity information ahead of speech features in a distributed voice recognition system
A system and method for transmitting speech activity in a distributed voice recognition system. The distributed voice recognition system includes a local VR engine in a subscriber unit and a server VR engine on a server. The local VR engine comprises a feature extraction (FE) module that extracts features from a speech signal, and a voice activity detection module (VAD) that detects voice activity within a speech signal. Indications of voice activity are transmitted ahead of features from the subscriber unit to the server.
US07941309B2 Modeling IT operations/policies
Modeling operational policies of operating a business's or institution's actual or planned IT system. The IT system may include components such as applications, application hosts, one or more networks or components thereof, hardware, and interrelationships between the components. The IT system is to be operated in accordance with operational policies that govern existence or numerosity of components, how the components are interrelated, how the components and interrelationships are configured, and/or manual or automated processes for managing and maintaining the IT system. The modeling may involve generating code that conforms to a language by declaring abstractions using types that correspond to the components of the IT system, by declaring types of interrelationships that correspond to the interrelationships of the IT system, and by defining constraints upon and between the abstract types, where the constraints correspond to operational policies of operating the IT system.
US07941306B2 System and method for remotely analyzing machine performance
Certain exemplary embodiments can comprise obtaining and analyzing data from at least one discrete machine, automatically determining relationships related to the data, taking corrective action to improve machine operation and/or maintenance, automatically and heuristically predicting a failure associated with the machine and/or recommending preventative maintenance in advance of the failure, and/or automating and analyzing mining shovels, etc.
US07941303B1 Event-based temporal logic
A method for modeling a system as a finite state machine in a modeling environment is discussed. Embodiments receive a representation of a finite state machine model and provide an interface for incorporating a temporal operator into the finite state machine model. The temporal operator may be a Boolean function that includes at least one event parameter and defines a temporal logic condition. Embodiments may also receive a definition of a first temporal operator that defines a logic condition related to a number of occurrences of two or more different base events.
US07941300B1 Process for the design of an airfoil
A process for designing an airfoil, such as a compressor blade or vane of a turbomachine, using a CFD or computational flow dynamics analysis. The process includes creating a solid model for use in the analysis, inputting the fluid inlet temperature, the momentum and the pressure to the airfoil, inputting the momentum of the airfoil wall, and setting the airfoil wall temperature to the value of the fluid inlet temperature in order to reduce the computational time. On convergence of the analysis, the efficiency of the airfoil and the pressure differential across the airfoil is determined and if it is not within an acceptable range, the solid model is modified in a attempt to improves this result and the modified solid model is re-analyzed using the same process until the airfoil efficiency and the pressure differential is within the acceptable range.
US07941299B1 Verification and validation system for a graphical model
A verification tool in a graphical modeling environment allows the components in the graphical modeling environment to be used to define error or exceptional conditions without adverse affects on the ultimate implementation of the model. In one example, a system presents a graphical interface to facilitate design of a model constructed from graphical blocks; receives an association of a plurality of blocks with a verification subsystem; and performs an operation to verify that the blocks in the verification subsystem do not affect operation of the model external to the verification system.
US07941298B2 Noise-assisted data analysis method, system and program product therefor
An apparatus, computer program product and method of analyzing complex signals. Independent versions are generated for the complex signal, e.g., by adding multiple instances of white noise. Intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) are extracted from each of the independent versions, e.g., using Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD). Corresponding IMFs from each independent version are combined into Ensemble IMFs (EIMFs), e.g., taking the mean of the corresponding IMFs.
US07941283B2 Determining the flow rate of air in a computer system
Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that determines a flow rate of air along an airflow path in a computer system. During operation the system monitors a first temperature profile from a first temperature sensor located in a first position in the airflow path, and monitors a second temperature profile from a second temperature sensor located in a second position in the airflow path, wherein the first position is upstream in the airflow path from the second position, and wherein the first position and the second position are separated by a predetermined distance along the airflow path. Next, the system computes a cross-power spectral density based on the first temperature profile and the second temperature profile. Then, the system determines a flow rate of air in the computer system based on the cross-power spectral density.
US07941277B2 Computer method and system for predicting physical properties using a conceptual segment model
Methods of conducting industrial manufacture, research or development. The method comprise computer-implemented steps of modeling at least one physical property of a mixture of at least two chemical species by determining at least one conceptual segment for each of the chemical species. The steps of determining at least one conceptual segment for each of the chemical species include defining an identity and an equivalent number of each conceptual segment.
US07941276B2 Systems, methods and apparatus for reconstructing phylogentic trees
In one aspect, a tree data structure is reconstructed by reconstructing a local topology from samples of data of known nodes, and estimating the data value of each node in the reconstructed local topology. The reconstructing and estimating are performed iteratively. In another aspect, the topology is reconstructed from pairs of known nodes that are within a predetermined correlation, and using a four-point function. The number of samples of data that the topology is calculated from is a factor of a natural logarithm of the number of known nodes that are within a predetermined correlation. In another aspect, the estimating is performed using a majority function.
US07941275B2 Method and system for automated detection of immunohistochemical (IHC) patterns
A method and system for automated detection of immunohistochemical (IHC) patterns. The method and system is able to automatically differentiate an epithelial cell part from a non-epithelial cell part of a digital image of a tissue sample to which an IHC compound has been applied. The method and system help to automatically correct errors made in a manual interpretation of a pathological or other manual analysis of tissue samples for diseases such as a human cancer.
US07941274B1 Advanced verification information for improved operational results
To provide human forecasters with monitoring and verification tools to know when a machine-generated forecast may already be good enough for public use or to know when to intervene to improve a forecast. Performance support systems and methods that deliver real-time feedback of previous forecasts and forecast accuracy in order to optimize the human forecaster's effectiveness. The systems and methods allow human forecasters to receive feedback from an array of different comparison products, including verification information, forecast discussions and forecast tools, in order to learn from previous forecast performance during similar situations so that human forecasters can focus their energies and resources to those tasks that they can add value to or over machine-generated forecasts. As such, the systems and methods of the present invention allow human forecasters to improve machine-generated forecasts and provide improved operational results.
US07941271B2 Displaying images related to a requested path
A system, method and computer-readable media are disclosed for displaying images corresponding to a path. The method can include downloading a path and one or more images corresponding to positions along the path, wherein the downloaded images are actual images of an environment near the corresponding positions. Additionally, the method can include detecting a position of a mobile device, and providing the downloaded images as the mobile device moves to the corresponding detected positions along the path.
US07941263B2 Engine controller for work vehicle
An engine controller (76) includes a first mode control module (81) for performing a first mode control in which a fuel injection amount in an engine (1) is obtained based on a first torque-engine rotational speed characteristic, and a second mode control module (82) for performing a second mode control in which the fuel injection amount is obtained based on a second torque-engine rotational speed characteristic. The first mode control module (81) has a first engine load estimation part (81a) for estimating an engine load based on a difference in rotational speed between a non-load engine rotational speed and an actual engine rotational speed, and the second mode control module (82) has a second engine load estimation part (82a) for estimating an engine load based on the fuel injection amount.
US07941254B2 Hybrid vehicle control device
A hybrid vehicle control unit performs diagnosis of a power generator using a target number of diagnoses during a trip period that extends from an ON state to an OFF state of an ignition key. For this, the control unit judges whether electricity is generated by the power generator from time to time. If no power is generated, it is judged whether the number of diagnoses which have been performed reaches the target number of diagnoses. If the target number of diagnoses is not reached, it is judged whether a diagnosis start condition appropriate for the diagnosis is satisfied. If yes, a gate arranged between a first inverter for controlling drive of the power generator and a power source is opened so that they are electrically connected. While keeping this state, a zero-torque control is executed to execute a diagnosis regarding the power generator.
US07941241B2 Optical fabrication method
An optical fabrication method which is capable of adjusting a hardness and a density needed for each optical fabrication area in fabricating a three-dimensional fabricated article through sintering with a light beam, and is excellent in a working efficiency performs the steps of forming a powder layer of a predetermined thickness and then sintering the powder layer with a light beam, a predetermined number of times, cutting a periphery of the powder layers, and changing a degree of sintering by changing an amount of irradiation per unit area of a light-beam sintered surface according to a shortest distance from a peripheral surface of each powder layer.
US07941238B2 Method and device for operating a machine
A machine consumes a consumable material during operation, which consumable material can be provided in material units, wherein the machine can be operated in at least one first operating mode, in which the consumable material is consumed. A material unit comprises an identification unit with at least identification data, wherein the identification data is read and is checked to determine whether the identification data can be associated with a predeterminable release data set. The machine is operated in a first operating mode when the identification data can be associated with the release data set.
US07941237B2 Flat panel display substrate testing system
A flat panel display substrate (FPDS) testing system configured such that prior to testing, the FPDS is loaded into a pallet to prevent breakage, and to provide electrical connections to test pads on the FPDS. The system achieves high throughput by testing FPDSs using one or more charged particle beams simultaneously with the following operations: unloading of already-tested substrates, loading of substrates ready for testing, assembly of pallets, and alignment of electrical contactors to a large number of FPDS test pads. The system design eliminates a prior art X-Y stage, and all moving electrical connections to the FPDS during testing, reducing costs and improving reliability. In one embodiment, the FPDS testing system has three subsystems: a process chamber, loadlock assembly, and pallet elevator; in another embodiment, the functions of loadlock and pallet elevator are combined to reduce system footprint.
US07941233B2 System and method for limitation handling
System and method for controlling at least one device such as for example an operator for a door, a gate, a window, blinds, shutters, a curtain, an awning or a light source including a controllable unit associated with the at least one device and a plurality of nodes for transmitting control signals to the at least one controllable unit. The at least one of the plurality of nodes for transmitting control signals is configured for transmitting a signal imposing a limit for at least one parameter for the device. Further, the controllable unit is configured for registering the limit and establishing a resulting limit for the parameter.
US07941232B2 Control method, control system, and program
By repeatedly executing a predetermined measurement at set intervals, data on a predetermined performance (a best focus position) of a predetermined apparatus and data on variation factors of the performance are obtained (Steps 204 to 214). Based on the obtained data, multivariate analysis is performed and a model equation that is used to predict a variation amount of the performance and includes at least one of the variation factors as a variable is derived (Step 214). Therefore, after deriving the model equation, a variation amount of the performance can be predicted using the model equation by obtaining data on the variation factor that serves as the variable (Step 238). Accordingly, it becomes possible to maintain the performance described above with good accuracy in accordance with the prediction results and also optimize the implementation timing of maintenance and the like.
US07941231B1 Ambient noise level sampling system for cooling an electronic device
An electronic device is provided that is able to detect noise to which the electronic device is exposed and an internal temperature of the device. The device contains a cooling unit to cool at least a portion of the electronic device and a subsystem coupled to the microphone and/or a thermal sensor and further coupled to the cooling unit. The cooling unit adjusts according to the detected noise and internal temperature. A method for cooling an electronic device is also provided. The method comprises monitoring the noise of the device's ambient environment, monitoring an internal temperature of the device, and actuating a user interface. The method provides for cooling the device by adjusting fan speed, clock speed, or power supply voltage applied to the device based on the noise of the ambient environment, an internal temperature of the device, and actuation of the user interface.
US07941229B2 High-speed sequential sampling of I/O data for industrial control
An I/O module samples an industrial process to acquire data indicative of performance of the industrial process. The I/O module has an internal memory in which the data from multiple samples is stored until readout by, or produced to, an industrial controller. The I/O module assigns a time-stamp identifier to the stored samples thereby providing time information to the industrial controller for the stored data when read out by the industrial controller.
US07941209B2 Signal analysis method
Improvement in the reliability of segmentation of a signal, such as an ECG signal, is achieved through the use of duration constraints. The signal is analysed using a hidden Markov model. The duration constraints specify minimum allowed durations for specific states of the model. The duration constraints can be incorporated either in the model itself or in a Viterbi algorithm used to compute the most probable state sequence given a conventional model. The derivation of a confidence measure from the model can be used to assess the quality and robustness of the segmentation and to identify any signals for which the segmentation is unreliable, for example due to the presence of noise or abnormality in the signal.
US07941198B2 Internal audio multiplexing system for multi-channel radios
A method of providing audio transmissions from an electronic device having internal audio multiplexing is disclosed. The method comprises combining a plurality of received audio input signals for output as a first mode of operation for the electronic device, where the electronic device is configured to output the plurality of audio input signals on at least one audio channel. When a priority audio signal is detected from one of the received audio input signals in the first mode of operation, the method interrupts playback of the remaining audio input signals with the priority audio signal as a second mode of operation for the electronic device and transfers, within the electronic device, the priority audio signal to the at least one audio channel once the priority audio signal is detected.
US07941196B2 Waterproof structure
A waterproof structure for a casing has a first casing, a second casing to be put together with the first casing, and a waterproof member formed of an elastic material to prevent water from penetrating between the first casing and the second casing. The second casing has a recess. The waterproof member has a peripheral part which, when fitted into the recess, prevents penetration of water. The peripheral part is provided at the periphery of the waterproof member, which is laid out all around space between the first casing and the second casing. A projection engages with a dent. A restriction part of the first casing, provided at a position facing the peripheral part and protruding toward the second casing, prevents the peripheral part from coming out.
US07941184B2 Methods and systems for managing and/or tracking use of subscriber identity module components
Methods and systems for managing and/or tracking use of SIM smart cards with integrated or external SIM module systems that are utilized with information handling systems. A SIM module system may be locked with a generic locking code to lock a SIM module system of a given information handling system for use with a designated SIM smart card that is programmed with a matching generic locking code. The locked SIM module system of the information handling system may be further configured so that it may be unlocked using an unlocking code so as to allow use of the information handling system with SIM smart cards other than the designated SIM smart card. To allow tracking of the disposition of the designated SIM smart card, notification of the non-activation, de-activation and/or activation of the designated SIM smart card (e.g., to an activation tracking agent) may be required before obtaining the unlocking code, for example, from an activation tracking agent.
US07941168B2 Mobile communication system, radio base station, mobile station and mobile communication method to control uplink and downlink channel for synchronization
A mobile communication system is configured to control a transmission rate of user data to be transmitted from a mobile station to a radio base station via an uplink transmission rate allocation shared physical control channel, and to transmit user data from the radio base station to the mobile station via a downlink shared physical data channel. Transmission frame timing of the uplink transmission rate allocation shared physical control channel is synchronized with transmission frame timing of the downlink shared physical data channel.
US07941167B2 Mobile device synchronization based on proximity to a data source
A system for data communication is disclosed. The system comprises a detection module that ascertains when a mobile wireless communication device is located within a first range of a data source. The system further comprises a data module that automatically sends information to the mobile wireless communication device when the mobile wireless communication device is within the first range. Methods of using the system are also disclosed.
US07941163B2 Determining the location of a wireless mobile communications device
An exemplary method determines a location of a wireless mobile unit by a node in a communication network. Amplitude adjustment coefficients are received from a rake receiving process used by the mobile unit to receive an incoming signal. A path loss factor is computed based on the amplitude adjustment coefficients. A modified path loss value is calculated based on the path loss factor. The location of the mobile unit is determined based on the modified path loss value.
US07941162B2 System for providing alert-based services to mobile stations in a wireless communications network
System for providing alert-based communication services for which corresponding alert conditions to be met by mobile stations are defined. The system includes an alert engine capable of firing alerts associated with the alert-based communication services if location data regarding the mobile stations is indicative of the mobile stations meeting the alert conditions corresponding to the alert-based communication services. A requirements engine is provided for determining an expected earliest future time at which at least one alert condition is capable of being met by a particular mobile station and outputting a data element indicative of a requirement to obtain updated location data about the particular mobile station in advance of the expected earliest future time. Also provided is a scheduler for receiving expiry times data indicative of a plurality of expiry times relating to respective location requests, processing the expiry times data for determining an order for servicing the location requests by positioning determining equipment (PDE) at least in part on a basis on the expiry times of the location requests and an output for interfacing with the PDE, allowing it to service the location requests according to the order determined.
US07941155B2 Calculation and broadcast of cell-load ratio and intelligent cell selection for IEEE802.16M
A method for data transmission, contemplates calculating a cell-load ratio by: r cl , n = ( 1 - α ) · r cl , n - 1 + d n S n , where rcl,n-1 is a cell-load ratio calculated in a previous stage, rcl,n is an instant cell-load ratio, α is a forgetting factor, dn is an instantaneous cell load, and Sn is a frame capacity; and broadcasting the calculated cell-load ratio by carrying the cell-load ratio in a designated message. Methods of a cell selection and a handover for a subscriber which are initiated by a subscriber are in dependence upon both of the cell-load ratio and the signal strength provided by the base stations.
US07941148B2 Neighbor list generation in wireless networks
Generating neighbor lists. A set of devices are provisioned to report on neighbor lists and visibility of sectors. Each device in the set of devices generates event data that includes the neighbor list from a sector, other sectors visible while using the neighbor list, and/or sectors visible to the device if the call was dropped or lost. The event data of each device is received at a management system. The management system can derive recommended neighbor lists for each sector in a wireless network based on the cumulative event data received from the set of devices operating in the network.
US07941145B2 Address registration control device
A technique for preventing an MN (Mobile Node) having a plurality of interfaces from being caught in an infinite transfer loop includes, when each of the plurality of interfaces of the MN is connected to an HN (Home Network), in the MN, an abnormal transfer measures confirming unit grasps whether or not an HA (Home Agent) of each HN has an abnormal transfer measures function for avoiding an infinite transfer loop of infinitely repeating packet transfer in conjunction with another HA. Moreover, in the case of the absence of an HA which is not equipped with the abnormal transfer measures function, a registered control condition deciding unit determines an address registration whereby the MN itself avoids the infinite transfer loop, and a registration control unit derives an appropriate address pattern for the avoidance of the infinite transfer loop and carries out the address registration with respect to each HA.
US07941131B2 Exchange of media by device discovery
Media is exchanged by the interaction between devices of an environment. A first device of a first user discovers existing devices within a proximity-based communication range of the first device that have media capable of being shared. As the first user encounters different people and places that have other devices, those other devices are discovered by the first device of the user. A list of available media is provided from the discovered devices to the first device where it is then displayed. The first user may then select a media item from the list to obtain it via sharing or purchase, have it bookmarked for future retrieval from the current source, or request playback of the media item such as by streaming or broadcast. The first device may provide information about capabilities and/or user profile information to the other devices to filter which media items are presented to the first device.
US07941129B2 Multi-way messaging with forwarding
Systems and methods are disclosed which allow for enhanced SMS forwarding by providing a technique for seamless two-way messaging between a source party and a redirected destination. An advantage of the present technique lies in the ability to replace any routing information (originating/destination addresses) between devices owned by the mobile subscriber. The subscriber may define the conditions under which his from or to addresses are switched between devices. This switching can occur for both incoming and outgoing messages, including SMS, MMS, and similar existing and future messaging protocols.
US07941128B2 Data backup system
A data backup system includes a mobile device, a data storing apparatus for backup-saving user data used in the mobile device, and a user management apparatus for managing user information about a user using the mobile device, where the device and apparatuses communicate with each other. When the mobile device is a replacement for an old mobile device, the user management apparatus stores and manages a device ID of the mobile device in association with an old device ID of the old mobile device and personal identification information of a user using the mobile device and who has used the old mobile device. When downloading old user data previously used in the old mobile device from the data storing apparatus, the mobile device creates and transmits a user data acquiring request message with an old device user data acquiring request flag activated to the data storing apparatus. If the flag is set in the user data acquiring request message, the data storing apparatus verifies identification of the user with respect to the user management apparatus. If the identification of the user of the mobile device and the old mobile device is verified, the data storing apparatus retrieves and transmits the old user data to the mobile device.
US07941127B2 Cellular communications system for providing non-real time subscription data and related methods
A cellular communications system may include a plurality of mobile cellular communications devices each associated with a respective user, and at least one cellular base station for wirelessly communicating with the mobile cellular communications devices. The at least one cellular base station may have a capacity associated therewith. The system may also include a central station for determining available capacity of the at least one cellular base station based upon active wireless communications with the mobile cellular communications devices. Moreover, the system may also include a subscription server for cooperating with the central station to provide non-real time subscription data to users on respective mobile cellular communications devices via the at least one cellular base station when the determined available capacity thereof is greater than a threshold.
US07941126B2 Methods, systems, and computer program products for delivering ring tones on a communication network by associating ring tones with media files
Ring tones can be delivered on a communication network by associating one or more ring tones with a media file, such as a song, that may, for example, be purchased by a customer. The associated ring tones may be presented to a customer to allow the customer to choose which ring tone(s) he/she would like to have as well as to select how the ring tone(s) are to be delivered. For example, the ring tone(s) may be delivered directly to a phone using, for example, a Short Message Service (SMS) message. The ring tone(s) may also be delivered to a storage location, such as on a personal computer, for example, allowing the customer to install the ring tone(s) on his/her phone independently. A key may also be delivered to a storage location that allows the user to invoke the key at later time to trigger delivery of the ring tone(s) over the air via an SMS message.
US07941122B2 Device and process for wireless local area network association
The present invention concerns WLAN association device and process for associating a new station to a WLAN, via a central apparatus. The association device comprises receiving and sending means for exchanging signals between the station and central apparatus, recording means for recording the station as part of the WLAN, under wireless exchanges between the station and central apparatus initiated by an association request sent by the station, and management means for managing the identity of the WLAN. The association device comprises time window means triggering the opening of a time window, the recording means being able to be initially activated only during the opening of that time window. Further, the management means automatically activates a temporary service set identifier for the recording of the station during the time window.
US07941115B2 Mixer with high output power accuracy and low local oscillator leakage
A circuit receives a first signal (for example, a baseband signal) and mixes it with a local oscillator (LO) signal, and outputs a second signal (for example, an RFOUT signal). The circuit includes multiple identical Mixer and Frequency Divider Pair (MFDP) circuits. Each MFDP can be enabled separately. Each MFDP includes a mixer and a frequency divider that provides the mixer with a local version of the LO signal. The MFDP outputs are coupled together so that the output power of the second signal (RFOUT) is the combined output powers of the various MFDPs. By controlling the number of enabled MFDPs, the output power of the second signal is controlled. Because the MFDPs all have identical layouts, accuracy of output power step size is improved. Because LO signal power within the circuit automatically changes in proportion to the number of enabled MFDPs, local oscillator leakage problems are avoided.
US07941111B2 Method and system for detecting an RF signal
A number of RF receivers are connected in a network. The network is used to transmit communications, data, or both to and from the RF receivers and to synchronize the RF receivers to a common time. Digitized RF data is time-stamped and stored in memory. A trigger circuit in one or more RF receivers determines whether a trigger criterion or criteria has been met. When a trigger criterion or criteria has been met, some or all of the RF receivers in the network transmit select digitized RF data to a central processing device. The central processing device processes the select digitized data to detect if a signal is present.
US07941106B2 Systems and methods for controlling local oscillator feed-through
A method for controlling local oscillator (LO) feed-through in a direct transmitter includes detecting a signal level corresponding to LO feed-through in a radio frequency (RF) signal that is output by a direct transmitter. Responsive to detecting the signal level corresponding to LO feed-through, DC offset levels are modified for an in-phase (I) signal and/or a quadrature-phase (Q) signal in the direct transmitter.
US07941103B2 Duplexer
A duplexer includes a transmit filter of a ladder type filter, connected between a common terminal and a transmitting terminal, and a receive filter of the ladder type filter, connected between the common terminal and a receiving terminal. One or more parallel resonators in the transmit filter are grounded through a transmitting inductance, and a portion of multiple parallel resonators are grounded through a first receiving inductance and a remaining portion of the multiple parallel resonators are grounded through a second receiving inductance.
US07941100B2 Communication system, base station, and mobile station
A communication system includes mobile stations carrying out transmission at report cycles selected from a group consisting of 0, 1 and other integers without having a relation of a multiple and including a lot of prime numbers.
US07941099B2 SIR estimation techniques
The estimated power levels that are used to estimate a signal-to-interference ratio (SIR) are filtered so as to minimize the mean-square error (MSE) of the estimated power estimates. First order infinite impulse response (IIR) filters are used to filter both the signal power estimates and the noise power estimates. Optionally, estimates of the average signal power and average interference power are filtered using Weiner linear prediction filters. The SIR estimates are suitable for use in a transmission channel that includes fading as well as interference, and are suitable for use in BPSK, QPSK, and other modulation systems.
US07941092B2 Media distribution server that presents interactive media to a mobile device
A media distribution server presenting interactive media on mobile devices and receives mobile user response interactively. During the presentation of interactive media the user is prompted with multiple choices for their selection, which can be provided using softkeys on the mobile device. The media distribution server prepares the subsequent portions of the interactive media and delivers them to the mobile device. In one embodiment, the necessary text, graphics, audio and video are assembled and integrated dynamically and is presented on the mobile device to the user. Further the mobile user is prompted to approve online purchases, make online appointment requests, show interest in products, etc. while browsing the interactive media on their mobile device. The media distribution server supports such activities as necessary.
US07941086B2 Image forming apparatus and method of cooling recording material
An image forming apparatus includes: a fixing section that heats an image formed on a recording material to fix the image to the recording material; a first cooling section that cools the recording material to which the image is fixed; and a second cooling section that cools the recording material from an opposite side of a side, to which the image is fixed, of the recording material before the first cooling section cools the recording material.
US07941072B2 Cartridge
A cartridge includes; a first gear rotatably provided at the casing; a second gear including a toothed portion and a toothless portion; and a storing portion configured to store the second gear. The second gear includes an arm that is flexible and extends substantially along a peripheral direction of the second gear. An inner peripheral surface of the storing portion includes a bulging portion that bulges inward in a radial direction. The bulging portion has a peak portion closest to a rotation center of the second gear. The arm is deflected while the arm contacts the bulging portion. The deflection of the arm is changed from an increasing tendency to a decreasing tendency at the peak portion as a base point. The toothed portion of the second gear is separated from the first gear when the end portion of the arm has crossed over the peak portion.
US07941068B2 Image forming apparatus, image forming system, and recording medium
An image forming apparatus includes a discharge tray determination device and a print controller. The discharge tray determination device determines a discharge tray for sample print output from available discharge trays specifiable by the image forming apparatus. The print controller divides a print job into print processes and controls print output in response to a sample print output request to cause a print process for sample print output for specifying the discharge tray determined by the discharge tray determination device to interrupt the print job.
US07941065B2 Image forming apparatus and control method therof
An image forming apparatus according to the invention includes an auxiliary power supply configured to detachably mountable on the image forming apparatus, a fixing device including a main heater heated by a commercial power supply and an auxiliary heater heated by the auxiliary power supply, a detector that detects mounting and detachment of the auxiliary power supply, and a control unit that performs control to carry out, when the mounting of the auxiliary power supply is detected by the detector, continuous printing of sheets at printing speed higher than printing speed at the time when the auxiliary power supply is not mounted. According to the image forming apparatus according to the invention, the image forming apparatus is capable of operating without deteriorating power use efficiency during continuous printing at normal speed and, on the other hand, can secure stable fixing performance even when the speed of the continuous printing is increased.
US07941064B2 Image forming apparatus and image forming method and developing bias voltage adjustment therein
Provided is an image forming apparatus including a charging device for charging a photoreceptor drum, a developing device for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum, a developing bias applying device for applying a developing bias voltage to the developing device, a toner image density sensor for detecting an image density of a toner image formed on the photoreceptor drum, and a control portion for controlling an output value of the developing bias applying device, in which the control portion adjusts the developing bias voltage based on an average print coverage of document in previous printing jobs.
US07941062B2 Image forming apparatus to control an image forming condition
An image forming apparatus includes a rotatable photosensitive drum, a charging apparatus to which a charging voltage is applied, an exposure apparatus forming an electrostatic image, a developing apparatus to which a development voltage is applied, a timer measuring an image formation time lapsed from start of rotation of the photosensitive drum and an image formation stop time lapsed from stop of the rotation of the photosensitive drum, and a temperature and humidity sensor detecting a temperature and a humidity of an atmosphere environment around the photosensitive drum. When the humidity is low, a charging voltage is controlled based on a measured result of the timer and detected results of the temperature and humidity sensor. When the humidity is high, the charging voltage is controlled based on the measured result of the timer and the temperature detected result of the temperature and humidity sensor without using humidity information.
US07941055B2 Method for upgrading network rate of passive optical network
This invention provides a method for upgrading the network rate of a Passive Optical Network (PON), which mainly includes: upgrading the optical fiber line rate of the central office device, and adapting, by the network terminal device, the working rate of the upstream/downstream line automatically to the optical fiber line rate of the central office device according to a downstream data flow transmitted from the central office device. Using the method of this invention, the network rate of the PON can be upgraded without replacing the network terminal and without a manual intervention.
US07941042B2 Auto-focus method, medium, and apparatus for image-capturing
An auto-focus method, medium, and apparatus for image-capturing. The auto-focus method includes obtaining a first image by placing a focus lens of a corresponding image-capturing apparatus at a first fixed position, obtaining a second image by placing the focus lens at a second fixed position; calculating blur levels of the first and second images, and determining a position of the focus lens by substituting the blur levels of the first and second images into each of a plurality of blur level relational expressions, which are derived from a plurality of pairs of images of respective corresponding objects at different distances from an image sensor module, each of the pairs of images being obtained by placing the focus lens at the first and second fixed positions, respectively.
US07941038B2 Glass manufacturing apparatus, a structural member thereof and method for heating the structural member by conduction heating
A hollow tubular body for molten glass in which local-overheating is reduced at the time of conduction heating. The hollow tubular body has a platinum or platinum alloy hollow tube, used for conduction heating, wherein a platinum or platinum alloy ring electrode is joined to the outer circumference of the hollow tube, a lead-out electrode is joined to an outer edge of the ring electrode, and a thick portion is provided in at least the joint portion closest to the lead-out electrode, of the ring electrode and in the vicinity thereof.
US07941027B2 Fiber access terminal
A fiber access terminal for mounting to the end of a fiber distribution cable and configured to be extended through a buried conduit. The fiber distribution cable may include a plurality of optical fibers and enters a housing of the terminal through a base. The terminal also includes a plurality of fiber optic connectors or adapters extending through the housing in generally the same direction as the fiber distribution cable for connecting to optical fiber customer drop cables. The terminal includes a cover and the housing defining an interior and the interior includes a cable slack storage arrangement providing bend radius protection for the optical fiber cables within the interior. A method of assembling a fiber access terminal. A fiber access terminal assembly including a pedestal mounting arrangement.
US07941025B2 Semiconductor photonic device
A coating film is provided on an end surface of a semiconductor photonic element including an active layer through which light propagates. The coating film has a two-layer structure including a first layer film and a second layer film arranged in a stacked relation. The thicknesses of the first and second layer films are determined so that the value of the amplitude reflectivity of the coating film is equal to an imaginary number.
US07941024B2 Buried heterostructure device having integrated waveguide grating fabricated by single step MOCVD
The device is an optoelectronic device or transparent waveguide device that comprises a growth surface, a growth mask, an optical waveguide core mesa and a cladding layer. The growth mask is located on the semiconductor surface and defines an elongate growth window having a periodic grating profile. The optical waveguide core mesa is located in the growth window and has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. The cladding layer covers the optical waveguide core mesa and extends over at least part of the growth mask. Such devices are fabricated by providing a wafer comprising a growth surface, growing an optical waveguide core mesa on the growth surface by micro-selective area growth at a first growth temperature and covering the optical waveguide core mesa with cladding material at a second growth temperature, lower than the first growth temperature.
US07941018B2 Block-terminated fiber for laser generation of ultrasonic waves
A laser transmission system.
US07941010B2 System for generating interface surface
A system for generating an interface surface is provided having a code generator for generating machine-readable coded data and a printer for printing the generated coded data onto a surface to generate an interface surface. The coded data is generated to be arranged in accordance with a layout having n-fold rotational symmetry about a center of rotation, where n is at least two, the layout including n identical sub-layouts rotated 1/n revolutions apart about the center of rotation. Each sub-layout defines the position of data elements and includes rotation-indicating data that distinguishes that sub-layout from at least one other sub-layout.
US07941009B2 Real-time computerized annotation of pictures
A computerized annotation method achieves real-time operation and better optimization properties while preserving the architectural advantages of the generative modeling approach. A novel clustering algorithm for objects is represented by discrete distributions, or bags of weighted vectors, thereby minimizing the total within cluster distance, a criterion used by the k-means algorithm. A new mixture modeling method, the hypothetical local mapping (HLM) method, is used to efficiently build a probability measure on the space of discrete distributions. Thus, in accord with the invention every image is characterized by a statistical distribution. The profiling model specifies a probability law for distributions directly.
US07941006B2 Pixel interpolating method and device
The n-tap filtering for generating interpolated pixels is converted into calculation of terms consisting of the difference and sum of the pixel values of adjoining pixels. When the difference is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the calculation related to the terms including the difference is omitted, thereby reducing the calculation amount in generating the interpolated pixels. In loop processing according to a flow chart of the pixel interpolating method, the reference pixels are accessed by one pixel per one loop processing for reading pixel values thereof, and the difference and sum of the pixel values are calculate using the adjoining pixel value already read one loop before, thereby interpolating the pixel values of consecutive pixels to be interpolated. Consequently, redundant reading of pixel values is avoided, with further beneficial effects on speedy generation of the interpolated pixels and reduction of the power consumption therein.
US07941005B2 Information processing apparatus and resolution enhancement processing control program
According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes an image quality improvement processing module which applies first image quality improvement processing for image quality enhancement to each of corresponding pixels in the temporary high-resolution image corresponding to a region other than the flat part region, and applies second image quality improvement processing for sharpening to each of corresponding pixels in the temporary high-resolution image corresponding to an edge region which is not located on the texture region. The apparatus further includes a controller which controls at least one of the texture determination reference value applied to the detecting the texture region and the flat part determination reference value applied to the detecting the flat part region based on a predetermined rule.
US07940997B2 Method and apparatus for enhancing contrast
A method of enhancing contrast includes obtaining a first luminance histogram of an input image; generating a second luminance histogram through pixel redistribution for the first luminance histogram; computing a conversion function based on both a first cumulative density function based on the first luminance histogram and a second cumulative density function based on the second luminance histogram; and changing the luminance distribution of the input image based on the conversion function.
US07940990B2 Image signal processing apparatus and image signal processing method
An image signal processing apparatus may include a partial image data block obtaining unit configured to obtain partial image data blocks by dividing image data corresponding to a predetermined screen having a predetermined number of horizontal and vertical pixels into image data portions, each having a predetermined number of partial horizontal and vertical pixels, at predetermined positions; a packet generating unit configured to generate packets, each storing one of the partial image data blocks; and one or more signal processing units configured to receive the packets from a transmission path through which the image data is transmitted, perform signal processing in units of partial image data blocks stored in the packets, and output the image data in the form of packets to the transmission path.
US07940989B2 Apparatus and method for a generalized benford's law analysis of DCT and JPEG coefficients
A method and apparatus for a novel statistical model based on Benford's law for the probability distributions of the first digits of the block-DCT and quantized JPEG coefficients. A parametric logarithmic law, the generalized Benford's law, is formulated. Furthermore, some potential applications of this model in image forensics, which include the detection of JPEG compression for images in bitmap format, the estimation of JPEG compression Q-factor for JPEG compressed bitmap image, and the detection of double compressed JPEG image. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the statistical model used in embodiments of the invention.
US07940987B2 Method and apparatus for representing and searching for an object in an image
A method representing an object appearing in still or video image for use in searching, wherein the object appears in the image with a first two-dimensional outline, by processing signals corresponding to the image, comprises deriving a view descriptor of the first outline of the object and deriving at least one additional view descriptor of the outline of the object in a different view, and associating the two or more view descriptors to form an object descriptor.
US07940986B2 User interface system based on pointing device
The user interaction system comprises a portable pointing device (101) connected to a camera (102) and sending pictures to a digital signal processor (120), capable of recognizing an object (130) and a command given by the user (100) by moving the pointing device (101) in a specific way, and controlling an electrical apparatus (110) on the basis of this recognition.
US07940981B2 Method and apparatus for generating projecting pattern
A pattern generating apparatus includes a sequence generating unit and an image data generating unit. The sequence generating unit generates a sequence formed by terms having M-value numeric values. The image data generating unit generates the image data by converting each numeric value of the sequence into a gray-level value according to each numeric value, and the sequence is generated by the sequence generating unit. The sequence generating unit generates the sequence such that vectors expressed by sub-sequences have different directions for the sub-sequence constituting the generated sequence.
US07940976B2 X-ray image diagnosis apparatus and a method for generating image data
An X-ray image diagnosis apparatus and a method for generating three dimensional image data of a moving body based on a plurality of two dimensional pixel data of the moving body that are automatically collected at different angle positions, wherein a plurality of radiography angle positions is previously designated, and the two dimensional pixel data is generated in correspondence with data of an object, e.g., a waveform of an electrocardiogram, collected at a real time. Based on the vital data, rotating movements for collecting a plurality of pixel data are decided. When a plurality of two dimensional pixel data obtained in correspondence with a plurality of heart beat cycles, for example, is collected at a certain designated angle position, the radiography position is automatically moved to a next collecting angle position. A set of a plurality of two dimensional pixel data collected at the same phase of the vital data of the moving body is selected for generating three dimensional image data.
US07940973B2 Capture control for in vivo camera
Systems and methods are provided for capture control of video data from a capsule camera system having an on-board storage or wireless transmission. The capsule camera system moves through the GI tract under the action of peristalsis and records images of the intestinal walls. For some periods of time, the capsule camera system may move very slowly and there are little differences in the image data between different frames. These frames can be designated for discard to conserve storage space or conserve power. A capsule control processing unit is incorporated to evaluate motion metric based on image data associated with a current frame and a previous frame. A decision is made based on a profile of the motion metric to select an operation mode from a group comprising Capture Mode and Conservation Mode. The capsule camera system is then operated according to the selected operation mode.
US07940960B2 Pose estimating device and pose estimating method
A pose estimating device includes: a pose dictionary; an image feature extracting unit configured to extract observed image feature information; a past information storing unit configured to store past pose estimating information of the articulated object; a pose predicting unit configured to predict a present pose; a node predicting unit configured to calculate a prior probability as to whether each nodes includes a present pose; an identifying unit configured to calculate a likelihood of the observed image feature information for each node; a node probability calculating unit configured to calculate a probability in which the present pose belongs to the node in the upper layer; and a pose estimating unit configured to calculate pose information.
US07940953B2 Magnetic membrane suspension
An electro-acoustic transducer has a membrane comprises a folded or curved sheet of film material. A frame supports the membrane in at least an upper end thereof. A resilient suspension connects the upper ends of the membrane to the frame. A driver system is attached to the frame and the membrane for moving the membrane dependent on an electrical input signal. At least one ferromagnetic element is arranged in the membrane or on one of the surfaces of the membrane at its lower end. At least one magnet provides a magnetic field, the magnet being attached to the frame in a position adjacent the lower end of the membrane. The ferromagnetic element is pulled down by a magnetic force between the element and the magnet establishing a gap therebetween such that tensioning of the membrane is achieved by the magnetic force.
US07940949B2 Universal audio speaker mount and kits and methods for installation
A universal audio speaker mounting board for speaker systems that simulates the structural surface that traditional flush-mounted speakers are mounted to, thus providing the ability to use a variety of flush-mount speakers in a variety of encasements, such as bookshelf enclosures or cabinets. Methods of installation and kits for installation are also contemplated.
US07940948B2 Methods and apparatus for mounting a loudspeaker
Methods and apparatus provide for: a speaker frame having a peripheral flange defining a central axis and a plurality of studs extending from the peripheral flange parallel to the axis; and a carrier plate having an aperture through which at least one of: a portion of a speaker may extend or through which the speaker may direct acoustic energy, a plurality of receiving elements disposed about the aperture, each receiving element having at least one ramped surface extending generally tangentially with respect to a perimeter of the aperture and rising in a direction parallel to the central axis, wherein the studs engage and slide along the ramped surfaces when the speaker frame is coupled to the carrier plate and rotated to lock the speaker frame to the carrier plate.
US07940943B2 Speaker driving apparatus
A speaker driving apparatus includes a speaker enclosure whose inside is tightly closed, at least two speakers that are provided to the speaker enclosure so as to have a common rear space, and a signal supplying unit that supplies a stereo left channel signal to the speaker in a first group and supplies a stereo right channel signal to the speaker in a second group. The at least two speakers being divided into two groups as the first group and the second group.
US07940934B2 System and method for securing computing management functions
In a computing management system authentication procedures are secured by protecting keys and/or processes used during the authentication procedures. In some embodiments the system cryptographically protects any keys used to mutually authenticate a management console and client. In some embodiments the system cryptographically protects execution of one or more of the algorithms used to mutually authenticate a management console and client.
US07940924B2 Reversible behind-the-head mounted personal audio set with pivoting earphone
A behind-the-head mounted personal audio set that allows a mono-aural personal audio device to be worn in either a wearer's left or right ear without the need to remove or detach individual components of the personal audio sent and mount is disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment, the personal audio device has two earphone portions and the mount allows the audio device to operate in either mono or stereo modes wherein one of the earphones may be moved away from a wearer's ear when needed, such as when driving. A boom microphone is preferably pivotally secured to one of the earphone portions.
US07940906B2 Phone-independent key expansion module
A button box provides additional keys that can be used in conjunction with a telephone. In one embodiment, a button box is configured by associating it with a telephone and by programming its keys. When a key on the button box is activated, a key press event is sent from the button box to the associated phone. The phone treats the key press event as if a key on the phone itself had been activated and forwards the event to the voice switch appliance associated with the phone. (Alternatively, the key press event is sent from the button box directly to a voice switch appliance.) The button box's user interface is controlled by a voice switch appliance.
US07940904B2 Converged offline charging and online charging
Converged charging systems and methods are described. A converged charging system includes an offline charging system, an online charging system, a common rating function, and a common charging gateway function. When in operation, the online charging system receives online charging information for a first call and accesses the common rating function to determine a rating for the first call. The online charging system then transmits a rated charging data record (CDR) for the first call to the common charging gateway function. The offline charging system receives offline charging information for a second call, and accesses the common rating function to determine a rating for the second call. The offline charging system transmits a rated CDR for the second call to the common charging gateway function. The common charging gateway function buffers the rated CDRs for both online and offline calls, and then transmits the rated CDRs to a billing system.
US07940901B2 Remote management of products and services
The present integrated system—method and remote management devices for services and products that are mainly provided by public utility companies, is primarily based on monitoring the consumption of the product. Both the organisation as well as the clients are provided with information (by means of specialised software) regarding the improved management of the products and services of the organisation and the more rational pricing. The consumers are given the chance to contribute to the saving of energy in a substantial manner, thus contributing to reduced environmental pollution. Other system features include the issuance and settlement of invoices, as well as other services such as tele-statistics, tele-marketing, tele-polling, etc.
US07940898B2 Method and system for routing calls based on a language preference
Systems and methods for processing a call are disclosed. Generally a stored indication of a user's language preference is accessed in response to receipt of a call initiated by the user. The call is then routed to a location based on the stored indication of the user's language preference.
US07940897B2 Word recognition system and method for customer and employee assessment
One-to-many comparisons of callers' words and/or voice prints with known words and/or voice prints to identify any substantial matches between them. When a customer communicates with a particular entity, such as a customer service center, the system makes a recording of the real-time call including both the customer's and agent's voices. The system segments the recording to extract different words, such as words of anger. The system may also segment at least a portion of the customer's voice to create a tone profile, and it formats the segmented words and tone profiles for network transmission to a server. The server compares the customer's words and/or tone profiles with multiple known words and/or tone profiles stored on a database to determine any substantial matches. The identification of any matches may be used for a variety of purposes, such as providing representative feedback or customer follow-up.
US07940896B2 Adaption of emergency calls to the emergency services network based on caller location
The invention includes a technique for integrating emergency calling for VoIP users with legacy emergency services to facilitate adapting to the evolving emergency services network and the services that are available in a given location. Generic location information provided by (or determined for) VoIP emergency callers, typically in civic or geodetic formats, is translated into Emergency Response Locations (ERLs) defining an area, such as an area within an enterprise premises, in which the caller is located. The translated location information is conveyed to the Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) with the emergency call in for form of the ANI (Automatic Number Identification) or calling line identification number. An appropriate route/gateway is then selected to be used to reach the PSAP appropriate for the caller's location, and an emergency call notification to the appropriate local emergency response personnel is generated within the enterprise based on the caller's location.
US07940892B2 Energy substraction method and apparatus
The energy subtraction apparatus of the present invention comprises an image input device which inputs two or more different kinds of radiographic images having been taken by irradiating a subject with radiation rays with different radiation qualities, an information of body part acquisition device which designates a information of body part, a motion compensation processing device which performs a registration process by compensating for shift between corresponding points between the two or more different kinds of radiographic images due to movement of the subject, a subtraction device which performs an energy subtraction process on the two or more different kinds of radiographic images, and an operation mode switching device which switches an operation mode of the registration process at the motion compensation processing device depending on the information of body part.
US07940889B2 Mammography method and apparatus with image data obtained at different degrees of breast compression
In a method and apparatus to generate a mammographic image, the apparatus has a radiation source, a digital radiation detector, and support plate and a compression plate between which the breast is compressed during image acquisition. A first image data set depicting the breast is acquired, with a first degree of compression of the breast. A second degree of compression of the breast is set and a second image data set depicting the breast is acquired. The first and second image data sets are linked for the generation of the diagnostic image.
US07940880B2 First-wall component with tube segment
The invention relates to a first-wall component of a fusion reactor, which comprises at least one heat shield of a graphitic material and a cooling tube of copper or a copper alloy. Arranged between the heat shield and the cooling tube is a tube segment, which is connected at least in certain regions to the heat shield and to the cooling tube via copper-containing layers.
US07940872B2 Joint demodulation filter for co-channel interference reduction and related methods
A joint demodulation filter for reducing co-channel interference between a desired signal and a co-channel interfering signal may include an input receiving samples of the desired signal and the co-channel interfering signal, a Viterbi decoder, and a first signal path between the input and the Viterbi decoder comprising a first filter. The joint demodulation filter may further include a second signal path between the input and the Viterbi decoder and comprising a linear finite impulse response (FIR) modeler for generating a channel impulse response estimate for the co-channel interfering signal. Additionally, a third signal path may be between the input and the Viterbi decoder and include a whitened matched filter for generating a channel impulse response estimate for the desired signal.
US07940871B2 Reduced-complexity antenna system using multiplexed receive chain processing
A method for processing signals is disclosed and may include performing using one or more circuits, orthogonally multiplexing, on to a single processing chain, a plurality of replicas of a signal received via a corresponding plurality of spatially distinct antennas. The orthogonally multiplexed plurality of replicas of the received signal may be converted to corresponding digital multiplexed signals that include multiplexed replicas of the plurality of received signals. The corresponding digital multiplexed signals may be demultiplexed to generate the plurality of replicas of the signal received via the corresponding plurality of spatially distinct antennas. The plurality of replicas of the received signal may be spread, for example, may be orthogonally spread.
US07940858B2 Apparatus and method for calibration in a communication system
In a calibration apparatus in a communication system, a modulation unit calculates a reference signal by modulating a downlink signal, and a digital Intermediate Frequency (IF) unit converts the reference signal to an intermediate frequency signal. An up-converter converts the intermediate frequency signal to a Radio Frequency (RF) signal, and a down-converter generates a received signal for each of the paths from the RF signal to be transmitted through each path. A calibrator calculates a correction value for each path and a delay value by using the reference signal and the received signal for each path.
US07940847B2 Frequency synthesizer and frequency synthesizing method
A frequency synthesizer for generating a plurality of frequencies of a MB-OFDM UWB system is disclosed, wherein the frequencies include first to fourteenth frequencies from low to high and any of the adjacent two frequencies differs by a basic intervallic frequency. The frequency synthesizer includes a phase locked loop generating an initial signal with a frequency equal to the second frequency, an intervallic frequency generator generating first to third intervallic frequencies from low to high and all being integers times the basic intervallic frequency and generating a forth intervallic frequency equal to the basic intervallic frequency, and first to third mixers connected in series, respectively receiving the fourth intervallic frequency, one of the first to third intervallic, and the first intervallic frequency, to respectively generate the first to third frequencies, the fourth to ninth and the thirteenth to fourteenth frequencies, and the tenth to twelfth frequencies.
US07940839B2 Fully adaptive equalization for high loss communications channels
An equalization circuit is disclosed that enables high data rate transmission over high loss communications channels. Also disclosed is a set of functional blocks and update criteria that allow for the equalization function to be adapted for a large variety of different communications channels. A fully continuous adaptive equalizer is used in conjunction with a Decision Feedback Equalizer to fully equalize a large number of communications channels.
US07940836B2 Multimode multicarrier modem system and method of communication over the same
An alternative approach to coping with the ever increasing demand for faster communications hardware is to design modems that are capable of operating its speeds at a higher data rate than a speed required for a single port of the standard communication rate for that modem. Basically, by utilizing a resource manager, that directs the data in and out of the various portions of the modem in an orderly manner, keeping track of which of the ports is being operated at any given point in time, a standard single port modem can be reconfigured, for example, at an over clocked rate, to manipulate the data input and output of a modem.
US07940831B1 Direct sequence spread spectrum system and method thereof
A method for a direct sequence spread spectrum communication system comprises encoding a first signal of data in a communication channel, embedding a second signal of data as notches in the communication channel, transmitting the first signal of data and the second signal of data concurrently and at a substantially same rate across the communication channel, receiving the communication channel, decoding the first signal of data in the communication channel to interpret the first signal of data, and bit decoding the second signal of data in the communication channel to interpret the second signal of data.
US07940824B2 Laser diode driver architectures
Laser diode driver architectures are disclosed. Some example current drivers are described, including a current channel to provide an output current. The current channel includes a current mirror with emitter degeneration, a startup transistor coupled to the current mirror to generate a DC bias on the current mirror, a beta helper circuit coupled to the current mirror and the startup transistor, to maintain the DC bias on the current mirror, and a cutoff transistor coupled to an emitter terminal of a current mirror transistor and to a reference voltage, to selectively couple the emitter terminal to the reference voltage to conduct the pre-determined output current. The example current drivers also include an output stage coupled to the output of the current mirror and to an output device, wherein the output stage provides a current gain in response to the cutoff transistor coupling the emitter terminal to the reference voltage.
US07940823B2 Laser turn-on accelerator independent of bias control loop bandwidth
An accelerator circuit is incorporated in a laser diode system for accelerating the turn-on operation of the laser diode independent of the control loop bandwidth of the laser diode system. The accelerator circuit provides a boost current to a compensation capacitor upon laser turn-on which compensation capacitor operates to establish the control loop bandwidth of the laser diode system. The boost current enables the control loop to increase the bias current to the laser diode quickly. When the laser diode reaches the desired operating point, the boost current is terminated and the control loop of the laser diode system resumes normal control of the bias current. In one embodiment, the accelerator circuit includes a timer circuit controlling a current source to implement open loop turn-on control. In another embodiment, the accelerator circuit includes a comparator circuit working in conjunction with an one-shot logic circuit for providing close loop control.
US07940819B2 Tunable laser module, tunable laser apparatus and controlling method for tunable laser
A tunable laser module includes a tunable laser section including a gain medium and a wavelength filter having a periodic characteristic which brings about a discontinuous variation of an oscillation wavelength, and a monitoring section adapted to output a monitoring signal which periodically varies in response to the oscillation wavelength of the tunable laser section. The monitoring section includes a monitoring wavelength filter having a periodic characteristic which defines the monitoring signal. The relationship between the period of the wavelength filter and the period of the monitoring wavelength filter is set such that the monitoring signal varies when the oscillation wavelength varies discontinuously.
US07940815B2 Fluorescent glass, optical waveguide, optical fiber, optical coherence tomography apparatus, and optical fiber laser
The present invention relates to fluorescent glass which is easily put into practical use, and optical elements including the same. In one aspect, the fluorescent glass is comprised of silica-based glass containing Bi as a dopant, and adapted to generate fluorescence in response to pumping light in a wavelength band of 980 nm incident thereon. In another aspect, the fluorescent glass contains at least one species of transition metal as a dopant, and exhibits a 980-nm band absorption spectrum having a full width at half maximum exceeding 10 nm. In still another aspect, the fluorescent glass is comprised of silica-based glass containing at least one species of transition element as a dopant, and exhibits a fluorescence spectrum with a peak intensity fluctuating within a range of −1 dB or more but 1 dB or less with respect to pumping light having a fixed intensity in a state set to a temperature of −5° C. or more but 65° C. or less.
US07940812B2 Ethernet access device and Ethernet access method
The present invention discloses an Ethernet access device and method thereof. The device includes at least two downlink physical port units, a multiplex/demultiplex unit and an uplink physical port unit. The downlink physical port unit is adapted to convert between a low-speed physical layer signal input to/output from the access device and a low-speed physical layer load carried therein; the uplink physical port unit is adapted to convert a high-speed physical layer signal input to/output from the access device and a high-speed physical layer load carried therein; and the multiplex/demultiplex unit is adapted to multiplex and demultiplex between the low-speed physical layer load of the downlink physical port unit and the high-speed physical layer load of the uplink physical port unit.
US07940809B2 Digital video interface with bi-directional half-duplex clock channel used as auxiliary data channel
A digital video interface system and method for communicating digital video data from a source device to a sink device is provided, where the clock channel is used to transmit data as well as clock signals in a bi-directional, half-duplex manner using time division multiplexing. The digital video interface system comprises one or more data channels configured to transmit digital video data from the source device to the sink device in time divisional multiplexing including a plurality of first time slots and second time slots, and a clock channel configured to transmit a clock signal from the source device to the sink device in the first time slots and configured to transmit additional data from the source device to the sink device or from the sink device to the source device in the second time slots.
US07940805B2 Receiving device, clock synchronizing method, and computer program
There is provided a receiving device including: a receiving unit that receives a packet stream; an oscillator; a measuring unit that performs a measuring operation; an acquiring unit that reads the newest time stamp read from the packet stream received by the receiving unit and the newest measurement value measured by the measuring unit with a predetermined period, from a point of time when the packet stream starts to be received; a calculating unit that calculates an accumulation value of the time stamps and the measurement values acquired by the acquiring unit; a comparing unit that compares a difference between the accumulation value of the time stamps and the accumulation value of the measurement values calculated by the calculating unit, and a value corresponding to a network jitter; and a frequency control unit that controls the oscillation frequency of the oscillator based on the comparison result by the comparing unit.
US07940801B2 Method and apparatus for synchronizing digital video using a beacon packet
A WLAN compliant device which comprises a VCX), a MAC, a decoder which outputs video wherein said device compares time stamps to obtain a difference.
US07940800B2 System and method for transmitting information over multiple channels
A method and system of transmitting packets of information over multiple channels such that the packets are sent simultaneously and serially across and down the channels.
US07940796B2 System and method for delivery of packets
A system and method for delivery of packets is provided. In an embodiment, a client is operable to query a first layer of the protocol stack used to provide a link that carries packets for said client. Based on the query, the client is operable to adjust how those packets are delivered over another layer of the protocol stack in order to help improve the likelihood of successful delivery of those packets.
US07940791B2 Router for establishing connectivity between a client device and on-board systems of an airplane
A system and method for establishing connectivity between a client device and an on-board computer network of an airplane are provided. The client device is connected for establishing communication with a network such as an enterprise intranet associated with the airplane. A virtual private network is created for establishing communication between a router and the client device. The client device is connected with an on-board server of the airplane via the router while maintaining connectivity between the personal computer and the network.
US07940790B2 Multiple request intervals
Methods and apparatuses are presented for communicating using a shared communication medium. A request is sent over the shared communication medium. The shared communication medium is organized to include a request signal space and a scheduled transmission signal space. The request signal space includes a plurality of request segments each having a different location within the request signal space. The scheduled transmission signal space includes a plurality of scheduled transmission segments each having a different location within the scheduled transmission signal space. The request occupies more than one request segment. Each of the more than one request segments is randomly selected by the first node. An assignment is received assigning the request to a transmission opportunity in the scheduled transmission signal space. The assignment is made in response to detecting at least one of the more than one request segments. A data transmission is sent using the assigned transmission opportunity.
US07940783B2 Method and terminal for restriction of domain transfer
A method and mobile terminal for controlling a voice call continuity (VCC) operation, are provided. According to an embodiment, the invention is directed to a method for controlling a voice call continuity (VCC) operation between a mobile terminal and a network, the method comprising: receiving operator policy via an OMA Device Management (DM) method during at least one call or session established between the mobile terminal and the network, the operator policy including domain transfer restriction information; evaluating the domain transfer restriction information of the operator policy; and selectively initiating a domain transfer according to the evaluated domain transfer restriction information of the operator policy, wherein the domain transfer restriction information indicates that a domain transfer from CS domain to IMS domain is restricted or not or a domain transfer from IMS domain to CS domain is restricted or not.
US07940778B2 Cross-layer approach to virtualized overlay on ad hoc networks
Methods and apparatus relating to a cross-layer approach for virtualized overlay on ad hoc networks are described. In one embodiment, a virtual address is used to search for a (key,value) pair in a virtual overlay. In an embodiment, a route request for a virtual address, corresponding to a key, is transmitted via a wireless network to one or more of a plurality of computing nodes forming a virtual search overlay and route reply for the virtual address is generated in response to the route request. Other embodiments are also described.
US07940777B2 Loss-free packet networks
In one embodiment, a method can include: receiving a packet in a device; classifying the received packet as a first packet type or a second packet type; when the packet is the first packet type, forwarding the packet to a next hop; and when the packet is the second packet type: performing forward error correction (FEC) encoding on the packet to generate repair data, modifying the packet by adding a multi-protocol label switching (MPLS) header to indicate that the packet is to be forwarded on an FEC-protected label switched path (LSP), generating an additional MPLS packet carrying the repair data, and forwarding the modified packet and the additional packet to a next hop.
US07940776B2 Fast re-routing in distance vector routing protocol networks
In one embodiment, a method includes sending an adjacency discovery message 1 from a local router over a direct link to a first neighbor router. An adjacency discovery message is not forwarded and includes a repair address. The repair address indicates the local router but is not advertised as reachable over the direct link. An outbound routing update message is sent to a different second neighbor router. The outbound routing update message is forwarded and includes reachability data that indicates the repair address is reachable. A payload of an inbound tunneled packet received at the local router and directed to the repair address is forwarded based on a destination indicated in the payload.
US07940775B2 Priority-based data message publishing method and system according to a data message chain
A priority-based data message publishing method according to a data message chain can be implemented by receiving a data message, wherein the data message has an original priority. Then, judge whether there is a corresponding data message chain corresponding to the data message. When there is a corresponding data message chain, add the data message to the back of the corresponding data message chain to obtain a revised data message chain. When there is no corresponding data message chain the data message, add a new data message chain, and add the data message to the back of the new data message chain to obtain a revised data message chain. Next, rule-operate the revised data message chain to obtain a dynamic priority of the data message. Replace the original priority with the dynamic priority to obtain a revised data message. Publish the revised data message according to the dynamic priority.
US07940774B2 Method for scheduling wireless communications
A system and method is provided for scheduling transmissions from a plurality of services operating over a widely distributed communications network. A headend communications device (such as a cable modem termination system) arbitrates bandwidth among a plurality of cable modems configurable for bi-directional communications. The headend grants a bandwidth region to a specified cable modem or assigns contention regions for a group of cable modems. Each cable modem contains a local scheduler that sends requests for bandwidth according to local policies or rules. Upon receipt of a grant from the headend, the local scheduler selects packets to be transmitted to best serve the needs of the services associated with the cable modem. Accordingly, a service requesting bandwidth may not be the service utilizing the grant corresponding to bandwidth request. Nonetheless, the local scheduler manages bandwidth allocation among its local services such that all requesting services eventually receive bandwidth.
US07940770B2 Reception device, transmission device, communication system and associated methodology for data transmission re-establishment through a lower layer of a transmission protocol
An acquiring unit (60) of a reception device acquires, from a transmission device, a notification of re-establishment of data in a lower layer. A notifying/instructing unit (70) of the reception device notifies, to the transmission device, a sequence number in a higher layer of data which is desired to be received. An RLC processing unit (40) of the transmission device acquires, from the reception device, a sequence number in a higher layer of data which is desired to be received; and performs the re-establishment from the data having the sequence number.
US07940766B2 Multicasting unicast packet/multiple classification of a packet
A switch and a method are described herein that are capable of performing the following steps: (a) receiving the unicast packet which is a L3 routed packet at a port in a first Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN); (b) routing the received packet to a loopback port in a second VLAN; (c) receiving the routed packet which is now a L2 multicast packet from the loopback port in the second VLAN; and (d) bridging the routed packet to multiple ports in the second VLAN.
US07940765B2 Limiting unauthorized sources in a multicast distribution tree
Disclosed are, inter alia, methods, apparatus, data structures, computer-readable media, and mechanisms for limiting unauthorized multicast sources. One or more access control lists are typically configured in a switching device to a state that denies forwarding of multicast packets with a particular host as its source. In response to a received multicast application admission-control message identifying the particular host, the one or more access control lists in the switching device are updated to allow multicast messages sent from the particular host to be forwarded. In one system, the received multicast application admission-control message is an Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) message. In response to the received multicast application admission-control message identifying the particular host, one system automatically adds one or more entries to the one or more access control lists to allow multicast traffic to be sent to and received from a next switching device leading to a corresponding multicast Rendezvous Point.
US07940763B1 Aggregated topological routing
Routing techniques are described that separate network topology information and management from network protocol addressing information, e.g., network prefixes, that network routers typically use during the packet forwarding process. The techniques provide separate topological identifiers to identify individual topological elements of the network, referred to as aggregates. A router within a network exchanges topological information with other routers that specifies routes for reaching destinations within a set of aggregates that represent topological elements of a network. In accordance with the topological information, the router generates forwarding information that associates the destinations with respective next hops within the network, and forwarding packets in accordance with the forwarding information.
US07940755B2 Lookup engine with programmable memory topology
An architecture for a specialized electronic computer for high-speed data lookup employs a set of tiles each with independent processors and lookup memory portions. The tiles may be programmed to interconnect to form different memory topologies optimized for the particular task.
US07940751B2 Personal area network data encapsulation in WLAN communications
An integrated circuit radio transceiver and associated method comprises a multi-mode device operable to support personal area network communications as well as traditional wireless local area network communications. In one embodiment, IEEE 802.11 protocol IBSS communications are used to transport Bluetooth communication data packets. In another embodiment, a direct link comprising direct packet transfers without beaconing is performed between the multi-mode device and another multi-mode device. Thus, the multi-mode device is operable to establish traditional BSS communications with an Access Point in addition to establishing peer-to-peer communications with another multi-mode device to transport the Bluetooth communications over the 802.11 IBSS communication link or over an IEEE 802.11 direct communication link.
US07940748B2 Systems, methods and computer program products supporting provision of web services using IMS
A Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) message including an embedded web service request is received at an IMS network from a device. The received SIP message is protocol translated to generate a non-IMS message including the web service request. The non-IMS message is conveyed to a web service provider, and a requested web service corresponding to the non-IMS message is conveyed from the web service provider to the device. The SIP message may include a SIP INVITE message containing an embedded SOAP message.
US07940745B2 Flexible and economical provision of service characteristics for voice transmission in a packet network
The invention relates to a method, an arrangement and a system for rerouting the useful data flow in a packet network within the frame of a service, whereby the resources for executing said service are provided in the area for action of a switching center. According to said invention, a packet converter is provided in the area for action of said switching center and, within the frame of said service, the useful data flow is carried through the packet converter. The adaptations, which are necessary for rerouting said useful data flow, are executed in said packet converter. The present invention has the advantage that only the switching center, which is responsible for the resource allocation, is concerned when the useful data flow is rerouted. Inter-exchange signaling with other switching centers is thus substantially reduced. Another advantage is that rerouting of said useful data flow does not depend on the performance characteristics of the other switching centers, which are involved, for example, in the setting-up of a call.
US07940741B2 Providing traffic information relating to a prediction of speed on a link and using the same
A method for identifying traffic information includes receiving traffic data including a first identifier, information corresponding to a prediction of travel speed for a particular link, and information corresponding to a location associated with the particular link. The first identifier enables a determination of a type of the information that is included within the received traffic data. The method also includes determining a type of information included within the received traffic data based on the first identifier and determining travel speed prediction information based on the information included in the received traffic data only if the first identifier enables a determination that the received traffic data includes a prediction related to travel speed. The method further includes determining location information based on the information that is included in the received traffic data corresponding to the location associated with the particular link and identifying traffic information based on the determined travel speed prediction information and the determined location information.
US07940739B2 Complex multiplexing transmission/reception apparatus and method in a wireless communication system
An apparatus and method for transmitting data in a wireless communication system using Code Division Multiplexing (CDM) are provided. A code controller distinguishes a Walsh code used for spreading during data transmission and a Walsh code unused for spreading based on a signal-to-interference ratio required by the system, and separately provides the Walsh codes. A CDM multiplexer CDM-multiplexes input data using the Walsh code used for spreading, provided from the code controller. A code modulator modulates input data using the Walsh code unused for spreading, provided from the code controller. A multiplexer multiplexes outputs of the CDM multiplexer and the code modulator.
US07940738B2 Wireless communication unit and method for processing a code division multiple access signal
A method of processing a code division multiple access signal comprises receiving a CDMA signal; processing the received CDMA signal with a CDMA detector; and extracting control channel information from the processed signal. The extracted control channel information is used to equalize a subsequent received CDMA signal, to make estimation of equalizer coefficients more reliable and increasing average data throughput.
US07940729B2 Analysis and control of traffic based on identified packet control functions
A device receives packet control function (PCF) load information associated with a packet data serving node (PDSN), and determines PCF Internet protocol (IP) address information and a number of sessions per PCF based on the PCF load information. The device also receives IP information from an IP network associated with the PDSN, and determines PCF identity information based on the IP information. The device further generates control information based on the PCF IP address information, the number of sessions per PCF, and the PCF identity information, and provides the control information to the PDSN to control operation of the PDSN.
US07940724B2 Network assisted cell reselection in wireless communications systems and methods
A method in a mobile wireless communications network including sending (210) a reselection communication from a mobile station to the network, and receiving (220), from the network in response to the reselection communication, cell reselection assistance information, for example, a new cell assignment.
US07940718B2 Trace log management in a mobile communication system
A first radio base station (RBS) is operated to cause trace log information to be supplied to a trace log storage node. The RBS becomes responsible for serving a user equipment session, and at some point begins a trace process. When the session report criterion has been satisfied, a trace status indication is alternatively sent to or received from a second radio base station, the trace status indication including an indicator of a session report cause and a time of satisfying the session report criterion. The indicator of the session report cause and the time of satisfying the session report criterion are used to identify a set of trace log information stored in a record buffer. If not empty, the set of trace log information is supplied to the trace log storage node.
US07940710B2 Methods and apparatus for efficient paging in a wireless communication system
The disclosed embodiments provide for methods and systems for monitoring a paging channel. In one aspect, a method for monitoring a paging channel includes monitoring a paging channel for a page message at scheduled paging slots, determining that an error has occurred at a given paging slot, and monitoring the paging channel for a re-page message at least one scheduled re-paging slot, where the re-paging slots occur after the given paging slot but before the next scheduled paging slot. In another aspect, a method for monitoring a paging channel includes monitoring a first one of a plurality of paging channels for a page message at scheduled paging slots, determining that an error has occurred at a given paging slot, and monitoring at least a second one of the plurality of paging channels for the page message.
US07940708B2 PCM type interface
An interface device having a first and second data terminal configured for the communication of data in duplex mode, with one of the first and second data terminals always assigned to each direction of the communication, the first and second data terminals configurable during operation such that, in a first mode of operation, the first data terminal is configured to send but not to receive data and the second data terminal is configured to receive but not send data, while in a second mode of operation the first data terminal is configured to receive but not to send data and the second data terminal is configured to send but not to receive data.
US07940697B2 Transition between IP protocol versions
A method comprising: receiving, in a network element of a packet data core network, a network resource request from a user equipment, said request including indication on the user equipment's Internet Protocol (IP) version capability; creating, in said network element, a set of parameters for guiding the user equipment in IP address allocation at least in one packet data network, said set of parameters including at least a recommended version of IP address type to be used; and signalling said set of parameters to the user equipment as a response to the network resource request.
US07940693B2 Wireless communication system for calculating time of flight
The invention discloses a wireless communication system for calculating time of flight. The system transmits and receives a plurality of packets every a plurality of delay times. Thereafter, the wireless communication system calculates a plurality of reference times according to the delay times and processing times and then averages the reference times to obtain the time of flight. Thereby, the time of flight can be calculated more accurately.
US07940682B2 Systems configured to automatically identify open shortest path first (OSPF) protocol problems in a network and related computer program products and methods
A data communications system may include a network having a plurality of network provider routers configured to support Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) circuits between customer edge routers outside the network, an automated diagnostic system coupled to the network provider routers. The automated diagnostic system may be configured to automatically initiate one or more inquiries of one or more of the network provider routers in response to a customer IP address identifying a customer edge router servicing a customer location from which a service failure has been reported and a circuit address identifying an Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) circuit related to the reported service failure. In addition, the automated diagnostic system may be configured to automatically process results of the one or more inquiries to automatically identify whether an Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) protocol problem is present in the network, and to automatically generate a notification for a work center when an Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) problem is identified in the network. Related computer program products and methods are also discussed.
US07940679B2 Power outage management and power support restoration for devices in a wireless network
Techniques for power outage management and power support restoration for devices in a wireless network are disclosed herein. Such a wireless network may include a number of bi-directional nodes in bi-directional wireless communication with one or more central nodes. Each bi-directional node may have a wireless communication path to one of the central nodes that is either a direct path or an indirect path through one or more intermediate bi-directional nodes serving as relays. Each bi-directional node may be configured to detect when it has become stranded such that it can no longer communicate with its assigned central node via its assigned communication path, to determine a reason for its stranding, and to transmit a stranding notification and the reason therefore.
US07940665B2 Transparent optimization for transmission control protocol flow control
A system and method that optimizes transmission control protocol (TCP) flow control without intruding upon TCP's core algorithms. A control module relatively near a sender's local area network (LAN) automatically identifies a packet flow that has become window-limited. After the packet flow has been identified as window-limited, the control module relatively near the sender's LAN and another control module relatively near a receiver's LAN optimize the packet flow by increasing the window size indicated in the receiver's acknowledgment packet. Both control modules operate synchronously to transparently manage the packet flow between the sender and the receiver.
US07940659B2 Devices and method for guaranteeing quality of service per service data flow through the bearer layer
In scenarios where the quality of service is negotiated through a signalling layer whereas the services are actually carried through a bearer layer, application functions at the signalling layer are not always aware of how quality of service is individually accomplished at the bearer layer on a service basis. The invention provides a method and devices whereby events are detected on a service data flow basis at a detection device in the bearer layer and notified towards an application device in the signalling layer via a control device between the signalling and the bearer layer. The list of events to be notified is obtainable at the control device from the application device and is included in Quality of Service related rules, along with service data flow filters. This Quality of Service related rules are provided to the detection device for inspecting individual service data flows in order to detect and notify the indicated events.
US07940649B2 Techniques for graceful restart in a multi-process operating system
A method and apparatus is disclosed for graceful restart in a multi-process operating system. A transport protocol process, which is capable of restarting independently from the operating system, is executed in a network element. The network element executes a Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) process, which installs one or more routes in a global Routing Information Base (RIB). When the BGP process detects that the transport protocol process has become unavailable, the BGP process keeps the one or more routes in the global RIB even though the transport protocol process is not available.
US07940644B2 Unified transmission scheme for media stream redundancy
In one embodiment, a network session is established for transmitting a media stream. The media stream is encoded into a first set of media stream packets and the first set of media stream packets transmitted according to the established network session. The media stream is also encoded into a second set of retransmission-based repair packets and used as a second redundant copy of the media stream. The second set of retransmission packets are transmitted regardless of receiving any indication of lost or dropped packets during the network session.
US07940642B2 Method for generating codeword based on a plurality of vector combinations and transmitting the same
A method for generating a codeword from a vector generated by combining four symbols P0, P1, P2 and P3 includes generating 16 vectors Vi (i=0˜F, where i is an index) by combining the four symbols with repetition allowed, and producing the codeword by mapping data to the 16 vector combinations.
US07940638B2 MIMO communication system and method for communicating with single antenna and multi-antenna mobile stations
In a wireless local area network (WLAN) that includes high-throughput communication devices with multiple antennas and legacy communication devices with single antennas, training tones are transmitted over a plurality of spatial channels during a first portion of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexed (OFDM) packet-training preamble. The training tones are interspersed among subcarrier frequencies of the spatial channels. The training tones are retransmitted during a second portion of the packet-training preamble. The training tones are shifted among the subcarrier frequencies of the spatial channels during the retransmission allowing a high-throughput receiving station to perform a channel estimation on different subcarrier frequencies of the spatial channels. The legacy communication devices may receive and process the training tones and may set their network allocation vector to refrain from communicating during a subsequent interval.
US07940623B1 Methods and devices for recording marks in an information layer of an optical record carrier, and record carriers for use therein
Methods and devices are described for writing to an optical record carrier, in which a mark representing recorded data is written in a phase-change layer of a record carrier by a sequence of radiation pulses. A rear heating pulse is introduced after a last write pulse and a front heating pulse is introduced before the first write pulse. The power level of the front heating pulse and the power level of the rear heating pulse may be dependent on the length of the mark to be recorded and on properties of the record carrier. The method results in a reduced jitter of the marks written, especially when writing at high recording speeds.
US07940622B2 Recording/reproduction device, evaluation value calculation method, and evaluation value calculation device
In a recording/reproducing system that performs PRML decoding, a suitable evaluation value for setting a recording condition can be obtained with a simple structure. It is assumed that a value corresponding to a difference between a difference metric between a maximum likelihood path for an equalized signal that is fed to maximum likelihood decoding processing and a path in a bit-advanced shift direction and a difference metric between the maximum likelihood path for the equalized signal and a path in a bit-delayed shift direction is a signal quality evaluation value dSAM. Further, the signal quality evaluation value dSAM is calculated using an equalization error value ek which is an error between an equalized signal value fed to the maximum likelihood decoding processing and an ideal equalized signal value determined from a decoded signal obtained as a result of the maximum likelihood decoding processing.
US07940606B2 Signal detecting device and signal detecting method
A signal detecting device includes: a semiconductor substrate; a near-field light generating section that is provided on the semiconductor substrate and generates near-field light near an interface with the semiconductor substrate; a light source that outputs light having wavelength corresponding to photon energy about a half as large as band-gap energy of a material of the semiconductor substrate; and a current detecting unit that detects a photocurrent generated in the semiconductor substrate when the near-field light is generated.
US07940598B2 Integrated circuit memory device, system and method having interleaved row and column control
An integrated circuit memory device, system and method embodiments decode interleaved row and column request packets transferred on an interconnect at a first clock frequency. Separate row decode logic and column decode logic, clocked at a relatively slower second clock frequency, output independent column and row control internal signals to a memory core in response to memory commands in the request packets. An integrated circuit memory device includes an interface having separate row and column decode logic circuits for providing independent sets of row and control signals. A row decode logic circuit includes a first row decode logic circuit that provides a first row control signal, such as a row address, and a second row decode logic circuit that provides a second row control signal. A column decode logic circuit includes a first column decode logic circuit that provides a first column control signal, such as a column address and a second column logic circuit that provides a second column control signal.
US07940588B2 Chip testing circuit
The invention discloses a chip testing circuit that increases the testing throughput. The chip testing circuit uses a multiplexer to switch the connection of the data compressing circuit between data compressing base units which compress 4 XIOs, so as to obtain a multiplexer of testing data by one single interface circuit and to increase the testing throughput.
US07940585B2 Multi-column decoder stress test circuit
The embodiments described herein are directed to providing a multi-column decoder stress test circuit capable of reducing a column stress test time while sufficiently performing a stress test by using column selection signals. The multi-column decoder stress test circuit comprising a control unit configured to receive at least one column test signal and to generate a multi-column enable signal, and a multi-enable decoding unit configured to receive the multi-column enable signal and to generate a plurality of enabled column selection signals.
US07940579B2 Semiconductor integrated circuit device
A semiconductor integrated circuit device includes: a memory cell array composed of electrically rewritable memory cells; an internal voltage generating circuit having a boosting circuit for generating a voltage boosted from a supply voltage, and a voltage detecting circuit for detecting an output voltage of the boosting circuit as a monitor voltage and controlling on/off of the boosting circuit for holding the output voltage of the boosting circuit at a specified level, the internal voltage generating circuit outputting the output voltage of the boosting circuit as an internal voltage; a control circuit for controlling the internal voltage generating circuit; and a writing circuit for applying the internal voltage to the memory cell as a writing voltage when writing data into the memory cell, wherein the control circuit controls the internal voltage to a first voltage necessary for writing data into the memory cell when writing data into the memory cell, and to a second voltage lower than the first voltage in a write verify operation following the data write operation.
US07940574B2 Nonvolatile semiconductor memory and method of driving the same
It is an object of the present invention to provide a nonvolatile semiconductor memory including memory cells using side walls of island semiconductor layers which avoid lowing of the writing speed and the reading speed. In the nonvolatile semiconductor memory having the nonvolatile semiconductor memory cells each having an island semiconductor layer formed on a semiconductor substrate, the island semiconductor layer having a drain diffusing layer formed on top thereof, a source diffusion layer formed on the lower side thereof, a charge-storage layer formed on a channel area on the side wall interposed between the drain diffusion layer and the source diffusion layer via a gate insulation film, and a control gate formed on the charge-storage layer arranged in matrix, bit lines connected to the drain diffusion layers are arranged in the column direction, control gate lines are arranged in the row direction, and source lines connected to the source diffusion layers are arranged in the column direction, the above-described object is achieved by the nonvolatile semiconductor memory characterized in that common source lines connected to the source lines are formed at every predetermined number of control gate lines, the common source lines are formed of metal, and the common source lines are arranged in the row direction.
US07940569B2 Power off apparatus, systems, and methods
Apparatus, methods, and systems are disclosed, including those that are to prevent a bias voltage from rising to a higher level than a storage node voltage as the bias voltage transitions to a ground level. For example a first voltage generator may be utilized to generate a bias voltage to bias a transistor in a memory cell in a memory array. A second voltage generator may be utilized to generate an plate voltage. The memory cell may include a transistor on a substrate and a capacitor. The capacitor connects from a drain of the transistor to the plate voltage. The storage node voltage is located at the drain of the transistor. A power controller may provide an off signal to the first and second voltage generators. The bias voltage may then transition to ground from a voltage less than zero volts. The rate of the bias voltage rise to ground is such that the bias voltage is maintained at less than or equal to the storage node voltage during the transition time period.
US07940565B2 Reading circuitry in memory
A reading circuit in a memory, having a first memory cell coupled to a first bit line and a second bit line, a second memory cell coupled to the second bit line and a third bit line and a third memory cell coupled to the third bit line and a fourth bit line, is provided. The reading circuitry includes a sensing circuit, a drain side bias circuit, a first selection circuit and a second selection circuit. The drain side bias circuit provides a drain side bias. The first selection circuit connects the second bit line to the drain side bias circuit to receive the drain side bias in a read operation mode. The second selection circuit connects the first bit line and the fourth bit line to the sensing circuit in the read operation mode, so that the sensing circuit senses a current of the first memory cell.
US07940561B2 Semiconductor device
p-type wells are provided within an n-type embedded well of a semiconductor substrate lying in an area for forming a flash memory, in a state of being isolated from one another. A capacitance section, a data write/erase charge injection/discharge section and a data read MIS•FET are disposed in each of the p-type wells. The capacitance section is disposed between the data write/erase charge injection/discharge section and the data read MIS•FET. In the data write/erase charge injection/discharge section, writing and erasing of data by an FN tunnel current at a channel entire surface are performed.
US07940560B2 Memory cells, memory devices and integrated circuits incorporating the same
A memory device is provided which includes a write bit line, a read bit line, and at least one memory cell. The memory cell includes a write access transistor, a read access transistor coupled to the read bit line and to the first write access transistor, and a gated-lateral thyristor (GLT) device coupled to the first write access transistor. Among its many features, the memory cell prevents read disturbances during read operations by decoupling the read and write bit lines.
US07940559B2 Memory array having a programmable word length, and method of operating same
A memory cell array and device having a memory cell array (i.e., an integrated circuit device, for example, a logic device (such as, a microcontroller or microprocessor) or a memory device (such as, a discrete memory)) including electrically floating body transistors in which electrical charge is stored in the body of the transistor, and techniques for reading, controlling and/or operating such memory cell array and such device. The memory cell array and device include a variable and/or programmable word length. The word length relates to the selected memory cells of a selected row of memory cells (which is determined via address data). In one embodiment, the word length may be any number of memory cells of a selected row which is less than or equal to the total number of memory cells of the selected row of the memory array. In one aspect, write and/or read operations may be performed with respect to selected memory cells of a selected row of the memory array, while unselected memory cells of the selected row are undisturbed.
US07940557B1 Non-volatile electromechanical configuration bit array
A configuration bit array including a hybrid electromechanical and semiconductor memory cell, and circuitry for addressing and controlling read, write, and erase accesses of the memory.
US07940550B2 Systems and methods for reducing memory array leakage in high capacity memories by selective biasing
A source-biasing mechanism for leakage reduction in SRAM in which SRAM cells are arranged into a plurality of sectors. In standby mode, the SRAM cells in a sector in the plurality of sectors are deselected and a source-biasing potential is provided to the SRAM cells of the plurality sectors. In working mode, the source-biasing potential provided to the SRAM cells of a selected sector in the plurality of sectors is deactivated and the SRAM cells in a physical row within the selected sector are read while the remaining SRAM cells in the unselected sectors continue to be source-biased. The source-biasing potential provided to the SRAM cells that are in standby mode can be set to different voltages based on the logical state of control signals.
US07940547B2 Resistive memory device for programming resistance conversion layers and method thereof
Example embodiments provide a method for programming a resistive memory device that includes a resistance conversion layer. The method may include applying multiple pulses to the resistance conversion layer. The multiple pulses may include at least two pulses, where a magnitude of each pulse of the at least two pulses is the same. A first pulse of the at least two pulses may be applied on one side of the resistance conversion layer and a second pulse of the at least two pulses may be applied on the other side of the resistance conversion layer. The applying step may be performed during a set programming operation or a reset programming operation. A resistive memory device for programming a resistance conversion layer may include a first and second electrode, a lower structure, and the resistance conversion layer coupled between the first and second electrodes. The resistance conversion layer may be configured to receive multiple pulses, where the multiple pulses include at least two pulses having the same magnitude.
US07940544B2 Memory system having multiple vias at junctions between traces
An improvement to a memory system having a hierarchical bitline structure wherein traces that form global write lines are connected to each other using junctions that include multiple vias to reduce capacitance and increase yield. At least one of a pair of traces connected by the vias includes a widened portion that provides sufficient overlap with the other trace to allow the two or more vias to be formed between the traces at the overlap. Parallel traces for global write lines that carry a write signal and its inverse may be positioned more than one maximum-density grid space apart to allow the widened portions to be formed between the traces. A global read line that is formed in a different metal layer from the global write line traces may be positioned in a grid space between the global write line traces to reduce the capacitance of this line.
US07940527B2 Cooling system for electronic structural units
Cooling systems (1) suitable for cooling an electronic unit (2) or assembly. The cooling system is provided with a cooling channel (6). An electronic unit (2) rests over a heat-conducting cooler wall (7). A coolant guide apparatus (11) is provided in the cooling channel (6) and has insert conduit elements (13) for guiding the coolant onto the cooler wall indentations (12). The end of each insert conduit (13) opening to the cooling channel (6) may be provided with an inclined entry surface (19) and an inlet opening (20) towards the inner longitudinal channel (14). A plurality of such coolant guides (11) may be arranged in series so that, for example, the same cooling medium flows through a plurality of semiconductor modules in succession.
US07940521B2 Blade server assembly
A blade server assembly is disclosed that includes a blade server chassis, a blade server, and a support assembly connected with the blade server chassis and with the blade server so as to support the blade server substantially outside the blade server chassis. A method is also disclosed for maintaining a blade server installed in a blade server chassis that includes supporting the blade server substantially outside the blade server chassis through a support assembly connected with the blade server chassis and with the blade server.
US07940520B2 Removable display cover
A display assembly includes a display bezel. A display is mounted to the display bezel. A display cable is coupled to the display. A display cover is coupled to the display bezel such that the display cover is operable to be decoupled from the display bezel while the display remains mounted to the display bezel and the display cable remains coupled to the display. The display cover may then be removed and personalized or replaced with a personalized display cover quickly and easily.
US07940517B2 Electronic device
There is provided an electronic device including: a housing included in an exterior package; and a plate-like cover that is provided for one face of the housing and is movable between a close position and an open position. The one face includes an open/close face and a non-open/close. The open/close face is hidden by the cover at a close position of the cover and is exposed from the cover at an open position of the cover. The non-open/close face is exposed from the cover at the close position of the cover and is hidden by the cover at the open position of the cover. A support mechanism is provided to movably support the cover between the close position and the open position. The non-open/close face protrudes frontward from the face for a thickness of the cover in comparison with the open/close face. The support mechanism includes: two first contact members protruding toward the one face from locations on the cover with an interval in a direction orthogonal to a direction of moving the cover; a first guide face that is provided toward the one face, extends along a direction of moving the cover, and is capable of contacting with the two first contact members between the close position and the open position; and an oscillation regulating mechanism for regulating oscillation of the cover at a supporting point where the first contact member contacts with the first guide face.
US07940513B2 Switch arrangement, integrated circuit, activation system
A switch arrangement for providing a drive signal at an output comprises a drive switch coupled to the output of the switch arrangement and a regulating element coupled in series between the drive switch and a power supply input of the switch arrangement. The drive switch is operable to provide the drive signal at the output. The switch arrangement is characterized in that the regulating element is coupled in a cascode arrangement with the drive switch such that in operation the regulating element limits the voltage drop across the drive switch to a predetermined level.
US07940512B2 Electrostatic chuck
This invention relates to a suitable electrostatic chuck to hold a substrate during the manufacture of a semiconductor integrated circuit having excellent cooling performance and insulation performance, and a low level of particulate generation, which is comprised of an electrostatic chuck, comprising a metal substrate, a first insulating layer of silicone rubber formed directly or via an adhesive layer on the metal substrate and having a thermal conductivity of 0.5 W/mK or more, an electrically conducting pattern formed directly or via an adhesive layer on this first insulating layer, a second insulating layer of an insulating polyimide film formed directly or via an adhesive layer on this electrically conducting pattern, and a third insulating layer formed directly or via an adhesive layer on this second insulating layer, wherein this third insulating layer is a silicone rubber containing reinforcing silica, this layer not containing any thermally conductive filler having an average particle size of 0.5 μm or more.
US07940503B2 Power semiconductor arrangement including conditional active clamping
A power semiconductor arrangement including conditional active clamping (CAC). One embodiment includes a power semiconductor arrangement. A controllable power semiconductor switch includes a load path. A driver unit for switching the load path to either an ON-state or an OFF-state. An active clamping (AC) unit configured to switch the load path in the ON-state if the voltage affecting the controllable power semiconductor switch is higher than or equal to an allowable voltage. A switching unit includes a control input, and configured to activate and/or to deactivate the AC unit dependent on a signal applied to the control input.
US07940501B2 System and method to relieve ESD requirements of NMOS transistors
A system and method relieves ESD requirements on devices in circuits of chips that are susceptible to being damaged from ESD through an external pad. For example, one of the devices can be NMOS transistors having drains (or sources) connected to the external pad(s) and no (or significantly small) current flows from their drains (or sources) to the corresponding pad(s). In order to protect such a device, an ESD protecting system is coupled between the NMOS device and the pad. The ESD protecting system can include an n-type transistor or a p-type transistor.
US07940500B2 Multi-chip module package including external and internal electrostatic discharge protection circuits, and/or method of making the same
Certain example embodiments disclosed herein relate to multi-chip module (MCM) packages that include external and internal electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuits, and/or methods of making the same. In certain example embodiments, ESD protection circuits are located under the IO pads in the MCM package, the size of the internal dies' ESD circuits are reduced (e.g., by making them as small as possible in certain example implementations), and high-immunity ESD circuits are provided to the IO pads where they are exposed to the external environment. The external ESD protection circuits may provide a higher level of voltage protection than the internal ESD protection circuits. Thus, the external ESD protection circuits may provide shock protection from human body model shocks, whereas the internal ESD protection circuits may provide protection from machine or assembly model shocks.
US07940489B1 Method and apparatus for repeatable run-out compensation
A control system is configured to receive an input signal. The control system includes a control module to generate an output signal that tracks the input signal to the control system. The output signal includes a repeatable disturbance component. A compensation module is configured to receive an error signal. The error signal corresponds to a difference between the input signal and the output signal. The compensation module is configured to generate an estimate of the repeatable disturbance component based on the error signal, and to combine the estimate with the input signal to compensate for the repeatable disturbance component associated with the output signal.
US07940488B2 Storage device and gain adjusting device
An amplifier amplifies, according to a first gain value, a first input signal acquired by reproducing first information from first areas having the first information recorded therein area by area in order. The amplifier also amplifies, according to a second gain value, a second input signal acquired by reproducing second information pursuant to reproduction of the first information, from a second area adjacent to the first area and that has the second information recorded at a recording level different from that of the first information. When the first input signal is amplified, a first gain value following a change in the first signal is calculated so that the level of the amplified signal becomes constant. When the second input signal is amplified, a second gain value following a change in the first gain value is calculated so that the level of the amplified signal becomes constant.
US07940485B2 Magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus having a magnetic read head with a spin-torque oscillator
A magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus includes a magnetic head that has a spin-torque oscillator and a magnetic disk and the spin-torque oscillator detects a magnetic field from the magnetic disk and outputs a signal. A criterion used to determine the rotational speed of the magnetic disk, the frequency shift of the spin-torque oscillator produced by a magnetic field from the magnetic disk, a characteristic oscillation frequency of the spin-torque oscillator and the full-width at half maximum of an oscillation spectrum is given in order for a read signal output from the spin-torque oscillator to satisfy a desired signal-to-noise ratio and a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus is configured based on the criterion.
US07940477B2 Solid immersion lens and related method for making same
The invention generally pertains to the field of solid immersion lenses for optical applications in high resolution microscopy. The lens of the invention includes a spherical sector limited by a planar surface and an object having nanometric dimensions arranged on the planar surface at the focus of said solid immersion lens. A light-opaque layer having a central opening with nanometric dimensions can be provided on the planar surface, said opening being centred on the focus of the solid immersion lens. The nano-object can be a tube or a thread having a cylindrical shape. The lens of the invention can be made using lithography techniques.
US07940476B2 Optical lens displacement systems
The present invention provides optical systems, devices and methods which utilize one or more electroactive polymer actuators to adjust an optical parameter of the optical device or system.
US07940474B2 Compact zoom lens
A three-lens group zoom lens in an N-P-P configuration; the first, second, and third lens groups are arranged sequentially from an object side to an image side; during zooming from a wide-angle to a telephoto position the distance between the first lens group and the second lens group is reduced and the distance between the second lens group and the third lens group is changed, and the zoom lens satisfies the following inequalities −1.3
US07940472B2 Zoom lens and optical apparatus equipped therewith
A zoom lens is provided with comprising a plurality of lens groups including, in order from an object side, a first lens group G1 having positive refractive power, a second lens group G2 having negative refractive power, a third lens group G3, and a fourth lens group G4, the third lens group G3 including, in order from the object side, a first positive lens of the third lens group, a negative lens of the third lens group, and a second positive lens of the third lens group, and a given conditional expression being satisfied, thereby excellently correcting chromatic aberration in a farther away shooting range, capable of having excellent optical performance with being compact.
US07940469B2 Anamorphic optical system, image pickup device, on-board type camera and monitoring camera
The present invention provides an anamorphic optical system 1, comprising one aspheric surface lens G5 and one anamorphic lens G3 on object side, and one aspheric lens G7 and one anamorphic lens G8 on image side with a diaphragm S11 therebetween, and an effective field angle is set to 200° or more at maximum in horizontal direction.
US07940466B2 Viewing optical system and imaging apparatus using the same
The invention provides a viewing optical system positioned between a viewing plane as a virtual plane and an eye point. The viewing optical system comprises, in order from the viewing plane side, a cemented lens in which at least one negative lens and at least one positive lens are cemented together and one positive lens, and satisfies the following condition (1). −8
US07940457B2 Energy-efficient optoelectronic smart window
In an aspect, described herein is a dynamically controllable optoelectronic smart window which utilizes a diffraction grating for selective transmission or rejection of a specific region of the electromagnetic spectrum, for example the infrared, near-infrared and/or visible regions. Window embodiments described herein may further utilize a selectively controlled and/or patterned total internal reflection layer to assist with the selective rejection of a specific spectral region while allowing for transmission of another specific spectral region. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods for dynamically controlling the transmission or rejection of solar near-infrared and/or visible radiation.
US07940451B2 Wavelength converter and wavelength conversion apparatus
A wavelength converter which performs simultaneously wavelength conversion for a plurality of input light wavelengths that are unequally intervals, is provided. The nonlinear material of the wavelength converter has a modulation structure which has modulation of a nonlinear optical constant at a period Λ0 in a propagating direction of light, a phase being continuously changed each period Λ0 and a continuous phase modulation for a different period Λph being added to the modulation structure. The nonlinear material has a modulation structure obtained by changing a modulation curve for the phase modulation, wherein a phase mismatch Δβ is represented by Δβ=2π(n3/λ3−n2/λ2−n1/λ1), and at least three peaks at unequally intervals within a plurality of peaks for conversion efficiency represented by 2π/Λ0+2πi/Λf (i=m, m+1, . . . , n: where m and n are positive or negative integers) have highest conversion efficiency.
US07940449B2 Compact display system
A display system is based on a linear array phase modulator and a phase edge discriminator optical system.
US07940448B2 Display system
A display system is based on a linear array phase modulator and a phase edge discriminator optical system.
US07940446B2 Optical modulation
An optical modulator comprising a spacing-controllable etalon having at least one sprung micro-mirror suspended above a substrate. At least one electrically insulating stop is provided between the micro-mirror and the substrate to avoid short-circuit when the micro-mirror is drawn towards the substrate by an applied voltage. An optical detector detects the time of arrival of a first laser pulse. A control circuit predicts from this an arrival time of the next incident laser pulse and, responsive to a control signal, either retains the micro-mirror in its pulled-down state held against the insulating stops or releases the micro-mirror at a time predicted to maximise or minimise the light transmitted through the modulator. After a time interval calculated to permit a predetermined number of mechanical oscillations, the micro-mirror is pulled back down onto the stops.
US07940445B2 Mirror system for a vehicle and method of operating said mirror system
The present invention is directed to a mirror system for a vehicle, said mirror system having a viewing surface for being operable as a mirror, said mirror system comprising a specular reflective surface and means for controlling an amount of light transmitted between said specular reflective surface and said viewing surface, said means for controlling said amount of light transmitted comprising at least one transmission control element and control means for controlling said transmission control element, characterised in that said transmission control element is an electrowetting element. The present invention is further directed to a method of operating said mirror system.
US07940444B2 Method and apparatus for synchronous laser beam scanning
A scanner system. The system includes a mirror assembly having multiple reflective surfaces arranged to form one polygonal shape about an axis. A plurality of the multiple surfaces are each positionable to reflect radiation propagating from the source at a reflective angle and a position on the reflective surface to direct the radiation along a transmit path. When one reflective surface is so positioned, another surface is positioned to receive and reflect radiation along a detector signal path for processing. According to a related method for acquiring image data a mirror assembly is provided with multiple reflective surfaces sequentially arranged to form a polygonal shape about an axis. A beam of radiation is reflected from a first of the reflective surfaces and along a path in a first direction to a target region and a return signal propagates along the path in a second direction away from the target region. A portion of the return signal is reflected from a surface of a second of the reflective surfaces of the mirror assembly and along a path to a detector.
US07940443B2 Laser radar and beam irradiation apparatus therefor
A laser radar according to an embodiment of the invention includes a beam irradiation head which emits a laser beam and a control circuit which controls the beam irradiation head to perform scan in a two-dimensional direction with the laser beam. In the laser radar, the beam irradiation head includes a laser beam source; a mirror to which the laser beam emitted from the laser beam source is incident; and a driving mechanism which rotates the mirror in first and second directions about a first rotating axis and a second rotating axis perpendicular to the first rotating axis respectively. The control circuit controls the rotation of the mirror in the first direction and the second direction such that a scan region of the laser beam becomes a rectangular shape.
US07940438B2 Hologram reading apparatus, hologram reading method, hologram recording apparatus and hologram recording method
A hologram reading apparatus includes: a unit holding a hologram recording medium in which data page is recorded by irradiating as a single beam both reference light and signal light modulated by a spatial light modulator including a first pixel area for modulating the reference light and a second pixel area for modulating the signal light, a pitch of pixels in the first pixel area being different from that in the second pixel area; a Fourier transform lens subjecting reproduction light to a Fourier transformation; a filter disposed on a Fourier transform plane of the reproduction light by the Fourier transform lens, the filter shielding the reference light at a first spatial frequency band and transmitting the signal light at a second spatial frequency band; and a reading unit receiving the reproduction light transmitted through the filter and reading the data page modulated to the signal light included in the reproduction light.
US07940427B2 Image processing apparatus, printing apparatus and image processing method
An image processing apparatus, a printing apparatus and an image processing method are provided which can perform quantization processing on image data at high speed based on an error diffusion method while at the same time avoiding degradations in a quality of printed images. When the error value represented by the error data is equal to or less than the reference value, at least a part of the data portion that can represent an error value in excess of the reference value is eliminated to compress the error data.
US07940424B2 Image forming device and method which outputs mono object when object not actually expressed in colors or not actually to be printed
An image forming method which examines validity of an output object using an ROP, for example, and determines whether the output object is printed in a color mode or in a mono mode, is provided. The method includes detecting an output object having a color value from among output objects constituting a mono page, examining the validity of the detected output object, and outputting the detected output object as a mono object if the output object is determined not to be valid. Accordingly, if a mono image having an RGB value is recognized as a color object but is data not to be output on paper or media, the image is recognized as data which are not necessary to be output using color toner, so that only black toner is used. Accordingly, the printing rate increases, and efficiency of processing a printing is enhanced.
US07940423B2 Generating a device independent interim connection space for spectral data
Generation of an Interim Connection Space (ICS) of a full spectral space is provided. A space of illuminants is accessed, and the full spectral space is decomposed into a first subspace that is an orthogonal complement of a metameric black subspace for the space of illuminants. The Interim Connection Space is generated based on the first subspace. The generated ICS can be used, for example, for rendering an image on an additive color destination device. One image rendering workflow includes accessing color data of the image in an ICS, transforming the color data from the ICS into a device dependent color space of an additive color destination device, and rendering the transformed color data on the destination device.
US07940422B2 Image forming apparatus
An image forming apparatus for forming a multicolor image by superposing single-color images of respective colors is disclosed. The image forming apparatus includes an image formation control unit configured to select and form a misalignment correction pattern used in a misalignment correction process for correcting misalignment between the single-color images. The image formation control unit selects the misalignment correction pattern according to either a status change detected or the number of images formed after a previous misalignment correction process is performed.
US07940416B2 Print control method and apparatus
Upon designating bookbinding print, preview images are displayed in a layout after bookbinding. When “store” of intermediate data is designated in a print process, a spooler (302) stores intermediate data and an output job setup file in a spool file (303). When the stored job is selected, a previewer (306) displays a list of jobs, and displays a print preview image. In this case, upon setting bookbinding print, pages are displayed in a spread state and order after bookbinding. Also, the open direction (right or left open), and the bookbinding unit are also expressed on preview images.
US07940415B2 Printer having dedicated coded data channel
A printer for printing an interface of visible data and machine-readable coded data onto a surface is provided. The printer has a processor for receiving document data which includes identity data indicative of at least one identity associated with the interface and generating visible and coded data using the document data, and a printhead having a visible ink channel dedicated for printing the visible data and an infrared ink channel exclusively dedicated for printing the coded data.
US07940408B2 Bi-directional status and control between image capture device and backend device
Apparatuses and methods are provided for bi-directional status and control between image capture devices and backend devices in a document processing system.
US07940403B2 Printing control apparatus, printing control method and computer-readable medium
A printing control apparatus is provided which can produce an appropriate copy-forgery-inhibited pattern image by adding a monochrome copy-forgery-inhibited pattern even if monochrome mode printing is performed in the condition in which a color copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is set. When the monochrome mode printing is performed in the condition in which the color copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is set, and if the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern color is output with its color unchanged, the color is not converted into 100% black. Considering this, when a forced monochrome mode is selected, even if the user's setting for the copy-forgery-inhibited pattern is color, the color is changed to monochrome (black) before output. If the designated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern setting is for color, the designated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern setting is changed to the monochrome copy-forgery-inhibited pattern setting so that the printing processing is performed in the monochrome mode using the designated copy-forgery-inhibited pattern setting.
US07940397B2 Optical connector and an optical tomographic imaging system using the same
The optical connector includes a holder unit, a first optical fiber fixedly supported by the holder unit and having an inclined end face, a first collimating lens spaced from the inclined end face, a mounting unit supported relative to the holder unit, a second optical fiber disposed opposite the first collimating lens and having an inclined end face, a second collimating lens disposed between the first collimating lens and the second optical fiber and spaced from the inclined end face of the second optical fiber, wherein an optical transmission system comprising the first optical fiber and the first collimating lens is symmetric to an optical transmission system comprising the second optical fiber and the second collimating lens with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis.
US07940394B2 Color distribution measuring optical system, color distribution measuring apparatus, and color distribution measuring method
A color distribution measuring optical system generates an image of an object to be measured via an imaging optical system and a color matching function filter. The color matching function filter is an optical multilayer film filter, and the angle of arrangement of the color matching function filter can be changed, with respect to an optical axis of the imaging optical system, depending on the numerical aperture of the imaging optical system by a tilt angle changing device. Various imaging optical systems can be used even when the optical multilayer filter is used.
US07940392B2 Lithographic apparatus, device manufacturing method and device manufactured thereby
The X, Y and Rz positions of a mask stage are measured using two optical encoder-reading heads measuring displacements of respective grid gratings mounted on the mask stage. The grid gratings are preferably provided on cut-away portions of the mask table so as to be coplanar with the pattern on the mask itself. Measurements of the table position in the other degrees of freedom can be measured with capacitive or optical height sensors.
US07940385B2 Defect inspection apparatus and its method
In a defect inspection apparatus for performing an inspection with an optical system, the dimension of a defect is measured substantially concurrently with detection of the defect. In order to promote the accuracy of measurement of the defect dimension, a correction unit is provided which corrects the defect dimension by using a standard sample such as a standard particle.
US07940384B2 Systems and methods for blocking specular reflection and suppressing modulation from periodic features on a specimen
Systems and methods for blocking specular reflection and suppressing modulation from periodic features on a specimen are provided. One inspection system configured to block specular reflection and suppress modulation in an image of a specimen includes an illumination subsystem configured to illuminate the specimen with a predetermined pattern of spatially incoherent light. The system also includes an optical element configured to block light reflected from periodic features formed on the specimen and at least some light diffracted from the periodic features. The system further includes a detector configured to detect light that passes through the optical element and to generate an image of the specimen in response to the detected light. The optical element blocks specular reflection and at least partially suppresses modulation in the image due to the periodic features. The system also includes a processor configured to detect defects on the specimen using the image.
US07940371B2 Interactive zoetrope for animation of solid figurines and holographic projections
A zoetrope configured for user interaction. The zoetrope includes an object support that pivotally supports a holographic disc or other projection element containing a plurality of images. A positioning mechanism rotates the holographic disc at a predetermined speed or positions the projection element in numerous positions. The disc or projection element is illuminated by an illumination source in such a manner as to selectively make the images contained therein be projected in a sequence that provides a projected object that may be animated in an interactive manner based on user input such as voice input. The zoetrope may read out holographic images in response to a user's voice input to project a 3D object that appears to be speaking the words or song input by the user such as by illuminating the disc once per revolution in a particular angular orientation associated with a desired one of the holographic images.
US07940363B2 Liquid crystal display panel and method for manufacturing the same
A liquid crystal display (LCD) panel includes first and second substrates, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first and second substrates. The first substrate includes gate lines, data lines, a storage line and a pixel electrode. The gate lines extend along a first direction. The data lines extend along a second direction crossing the first direction, and the gate and data lines define a unit pixel. The storage line includes a first line portion extending along the second direction in the unit pixel. The pixel electrode divides the unit pixel into first and second domains. A second substrate faces the first substrate and includes a common electrode having a first hole formed on the common electrode, and the first hole is overlapped with the storage line. The first hole and the storage line are overlapped with each other, so that an opening ratio may be enhanced.
US07940362B2 Method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display
A display portion is divided by scan lines and signal lines into sections where pixels are provided. Contact holes each for connecting common wiring and a common electrode together are not formed for all the pixels, but decimated so as to be arranged in zigzags.
US07940345B2 Liquid crystal display device
It is an object to provide a liquid crystal display device including a thin film transistor with high electric characteristics and high reliability. As for a liquid crystal display device including an inverted staggered thin film transistor of a channel stop type, the inverted staggered thin film transistor includes a gate electrode, a gate insulating film over the gate electrode, a microcrystalline semiconductor film including a channel formation region over the gate insulating film, a buffer layer over the microcrystalline semiconductor film, and a channel protective layer which is formed over the buffer layer so as to overlap with the channel formation region of the microcrystalline semiconductor film.
US07940336B2 Circuit module for use in digital television receiver for receiving digital television broadcasting wave signal
A circuit module for a digital television receiver is formed by multi-layering a decoder LSI including a CPU and a decoder, a decoder layer substrate including a CA interface circuit, a demodulation function layer substrate including a demodulator, and an extension function layer substrate including a communication controller. The demodulation function layer substrate and the extension function layer substrate can be selectively multi-layered to the decoder layer substrate in response to a broadcasting system of a digital television signal or a type of a CA module.
US07940335B2 Video signal output circuit and electronic device using the same
A video signal output circuit includes a sync-tip clamp circuit fixing a sync-tip level of an input video signal at a constant voltage, a low-pass filter receiving the video signal output from the sync-tip clamp circuit and eliminating a predetermined high-frequency component, a dummy circuit receiving the video signal output from the sync-tip clamp circuit and outputting the video signal having substantially the same sync-tip level as that of the video signal output from the low-pass filter, and an output driver receiving the video signal output from the low-pass filter and outputting the video signal with a low output impedance. The sync-tip clamp circuit controls the sync-tip level of the video signal output from the dummy circuit such that the sync-tip level of the video signal is equal to a predetermined reference voltage.
US07940331B2 Edge adaptive de-interlacing apparatus and method thereof
An edge adaptive de-interlacing apparatus and method are disclosed. The edge adaptive de-interlacing apparatus includes a complexity detection module, a qualifier, a comparator and a mixer. The complexity detection module detects complexity associated with a target pixel. The qualifier is coupled to the complexity detection module for generating similarity of at least one possible edge angle in response to the complexity. The comparator is coupled to the qualifier for comparing the similarity of the at least one possible edge to select a preferred edge angle. The mixer is coupled to the comparator for generating pixel data of the target pixel according to the preferred edge angle.
US07940314B2 Image-signal processing device
Defect correction and other de-noising as well as resolution maintenance and contour correction can all be appropriately performed in an image-signal processing device for processing an image signal from an image sensor. First through third de-noising parts 30a through 30c are provided separately to correspond to a brightness-processing part 36, a color-processing part 40, and a contour-processing part 38, respectively. Among defect-correcting parts 42a through 42c provided to the de-noising parts 30a through 30c, respectively, the defect-correcting part 42c provided to correspond to the contour-processing part 38 is set to a low defect-correction level and maintains contour information. The defect-correcting part 42a provided to correspond to the brightness-processing part 36 is set to an intermediate correction level and corrects pixel defects while maintaining resolution. The defect-correcting part 42b provided to correspond to the color-processing part 40 is set to a high correction level and appropriately removes pixel defects.
US07940311B2 Multi-exposure pattern for enhancing dynamic range of images
The specification and drawings present a new method, apparatus and software product for enhancing a dynamic range of an image with a multi-exposure pixel pattern taken by an image sensor of a camera for one or more color channels, wherein a plurality of groups of pixels of the image sensor have different exposure times (e.g., pre-selected or adjusted by a user through a user interface using a viewfinder feedback, or adjusted by a user through a user interface after taking and storing RAW image, etc.). Processing of the captured image for constructing an enhanced image of the image for each of the one or more color channels can be performed using weighted combination of exposure times of pixels having different pre-selected exposure times according to a predetermined criterion.
US07940310B2 Method and apparatus for automatic white balance
A method of automatic white balance for an image capture system is disclosed. The automatic white balance mechanism ascertains the illuminant source of an image by analyzing the number of white pixels within a predefined white area in a color space diagram. The automatic white balance mechanism also determines gain adjustments based on the evaluating the average RGB values to achieve white balance.
US07940307B2 Method of continuously capturing images in single lens reflex digital camera
The first frame of captured image data is stored as raw data in a main memory, and parameters for exposure control and white balance control are calculated from the stored image data and are set in the RPU. The second and subsequent frames of captured image data are processed in real time in the RPU without being stored in the main memory after being output from a CCD. The second and subsequent frames of captured image data are subjected to exposure control, white balance control, and JPEG compression, and then, are stored in the main memory. After operations for continuously capturing images are finished, the raw data corresponding to the first frame stored in the main memory is read by the RPU, where exposure control and white balance control are performed, and then, is stored as JPEG data in the main memory.
US07940305B2 Motor vehicle camera display apparatus and method
Arrangement for a motor vehicle with a camera and a display device for capturing and displaying an image of the surroundings of the motor vehicle and for displaying graphically representable information, such as for example guide lines, reference texts or the like, with a means for superimposing the image with the information, wherein means for superimposing changes values of the pixels at the points of the image, at which the information is displayed, information pixels, as a function of the values captured by the camera.
US07940295B2 Image display apparatus and control method thereof
On the basis of an image taken by a right image taking unit and/or an image taken by a left image taking unit, an imaging parameter common to the right and left image taking units is calculated. The calculated imaging parameter is set in the right and left image taking units.
US07940293B2 Video conferencing system
A video conferencing system includes a camera and a display within a room. The camera is directed towards participants in a foreground against a background. The room has lighting defining at least foreground luminance. The display defines maximum display luminance, and the display and flare of the room define minimum display luminance. The camera, the display, and/or the room are adapted to provide one or more of the following. First, that the maximum display luminance is greater than the foreground luminance but less than the foreground luminance times a first constant. Second, that the maximum display luminance is greater than the minimum display luminance by more than a second constant. Third, that illumination color of foreground images displayed on the display substantially match illumination color of the foreground. Fourth, that a color of background images displayed on the display substantially matches a color of the background.
US07940291B2 Recording device, control method for a recording device, and a control program
If the recording medium and the thermal head stick together, a recording device, a control method for a recording device, and a control program enable avoiding media transportation problems caused by such adhesion. If the recording medium has a release coat layer or an overcoating layer and the recording medium is left in contact with the thermal head, an operating pattern is set according to the contact conditions for moving the surface of the recording medium a specific distance from the thermal head, and transportation is controlled according to the set operating pattern.
US07940286B2 Display having controllable gray scale circuit
A display that includes a circuit to receive pixel data and to generate a first set of gray-scale voltages based on the first set of reference voltages to drive pixel circuits to display respectively different gray-scale levels during a first time period in accordance with the pixel data, and generate a second set of gray-scale voltages based on a second, different set of reference voltages to drive the pixel circuits to display a common gray-scale level during a second time period. For example, the common gray-scale level can be a black level.
US07940284B2 Digital document editing method, digital document editing program and digital document editing apparatus
The invention relates to an editing of a digital document containing an image, a text, a pattern and the like on pages constituting the digital document. In response to an operation for deleting an image positioned in a page, such image is not added to another page but is moved to and displayed in an evacuation area provided independently from the page area. In the evacuation area, such image is displayed together with a serial number of the page in which such image was present originally. Thus the page layout is not destructed in pages other than the page of image deletion, and the user can easily confirm later the image existed in such page.
US07940278B2 Method and system for programming for image enhancement
In a method of programming for image enhancement, a content addressable memory is accessed. At least one template is transferred into the content addressable memory. A random access memory is accessed. Enhancement data is transferred into the random access memory. Video data input is inputted into the content addressable memory. Enhancement data is outputted from the random access memory based on the video data matching at least one template.
US07940276B2 Virtualization of graphics resources
Graphics resources are virtualized through an interface between graphics hardware and graphics clients. The interface allocates the graphics resources across multiple graphics clients, processes commands for access to the graphics resources from the graphics clients, and resolves conflicts for the graphics resources among the clients.
US07940271B2 System and method for large scale information analysis using data visualization techniques
A system and method for processing a stored original data set for subsequent display on a user interface of a computer, the original data set having multiple dimensions and a number of original data points greater than the number of pixels available on the user interface. The system comprises a data reduction module for reducing the original data set to produce a reduced data set having less than the number of original data points, a data resizing module for dynamically resizing the received reduced data set to produce a resized data set for use in generating a display of pixels appropriate to the number of available pixels, and a pixel module configured for using a predefined color scale for assigning a unique color as the representative pixel value of a respective data value of the resized data points included in the display of pixels.
US07940269B2 Real-time rendering of light-scattering media
A real-time algorithm for rendering of an inhomogeneous scattering medium such as fog with a surface object immersed therein is described. An input media animation is represented as a sequence of density fields. The algorithm computes surface reflectance of the surface object in the inhomogeneous scattering medium. The algorithm may also compute airlight of the inhomogeneous scattering medium. Several approximations are taken which lead to analytical solutions of quantities such as optical depth integrations and single scattering integrations, and a reduced number of integrations that need to be calculated. The resultant algorithm is able to render inhomogeneous media including their shadowing and scattering effects in real time. The algorithm may be adopted for a variety of light sources including point lights and environmental lights.
US07940267B2 Systems and methods for graphical rendering
A method of rendering a graphical scene includes determining a plurality of functions that contribute to a light transport model of a scene, factoring the plurality of functions into a set of fixed functions and one varying function, determining a first radiance transfer vector that represents the product of the fixed functions in the wavelet domain, determining a second radiance transfer vector that represents the one varying function in the wavelet domain, determining an inner product of the first and second radiance transfer vectors to approximate a radiance of a point x in the scene, and rendering the scene.
US07940265B2 Multiple spacial indexes for dynamic scene management in graphics rendering
According to embodiments of the invention, separate spatial indexes may be created which correspond to dynamic objects in a three dimensional scene and static objects in the three dimensional scene. By creating separate spatial indexes for static and dynamic objects, only the dynamic spatial index may need to be rebuilt in response to movement or changes in shape of objects in the three dimensional scene. Furthermore, the static and dynamic spatial indexes may be stored in separate portions of an image processing system's memory cache. By storing the static spatial index and the dynamic spatial index in separate portions of the memory cache, the dynamic portion of the memory cache may be updated without affecting the static portion of the spatial index in the memory cache.
US07940263B2 Curved-surface generating method and program, and three-dimensional shape processing apparatus
A plurality of representative points are selected from a group of points obtained as results of shape measurement of an object, respective principal curvatures are calculated at the representative points on the basis of positional relationships between the representative point and a plurality of points existing around the representative point, a line of curvature is created on the basis of the principal curvatures of the representative points and a curved surface is generated using this line of curvature.
US07940261B2 Automatic load balancing of a 3D graphics pipeline
A device has a processor for processing a vertex processing stage, a sub-screen dividing stage and a pixel rendering stage of a three-dimensional (3D) graphics pipeline. The processor includes processing threads which balance the work load of the 3D graphics pipeline by prioritizing processing for the pixel rendering stage over other stages. Each processing thread, operating in parallel and independently, checks a level of tasks in a Task list of sub-screen tasks. If the level is below a threshold value, empty or the sub-screen tasks are all locked, the processing thread loops to the vertex processing stage. Otherwise, the processing thread processes a sub-screen task during the pixel rendering stage.
US07940257B2 Methods for segment driver circuits and application specific SEG decoders in LCD driver systems
This invention describes methods and circuits for the segment driver circuit in a LCD driver system as well as application specific SEG decoder. The methods include the following steps: the array signal undergoes an inversion process (from 1 to 0, or from 0 to 1); the data and the array signal that has been processed through the inversion process then undergo a matrix operation; the signal that has gone through the matrix operation is then sent to a BBM (break before make) circuit. The signal processor of the application specific SEG decoder performs the inverse operation (from 1 to 0, or from 0 to 1) on the array signal; the decoding circuit performs the matrix operation on the signal that has been inversed (from 1 to 0, or from 0 to 1) before sending it to the BBM circuit. The methods described in this invention first process the array signal through field processing and inverse processing (from 1 to 0, or from 0 to 1) before undergoing the matrix operation, rather than first performing the matrix operation and then selecting an output based on the field signal. Therefore, this invention enhances the SEG decoder by simplifying the circuitry, reducing energy consumption, lowering cost, and making it easier to realize.
US07940244B2 Liquid crystal display device, driving method for liquid crystal display devices, and inspection method for liquid crystal display devices
Using technology which uses a single shift register and simultaneously generates multiple pulses, this invention is a liquid crystal display device which rapidly drives data lines. It is possible to increase the frequency of the shift register output signal without changing the frequency of the shift register operation clock. If the shift register output signals, by means of analog switches, are used to determine the video signal sampling timing, high speed data line driving can be realized. Additionally, if the output signals of the shift register mentioned above are used to determine the video signal latch timing in a digital driver, high speed latching of the video signal can be realized. Consequently, even if the driving circuits of the liquid crystal display matrix are composed of TFTs, high speed operation of the driving circuits is possible without increasing power consumption. The shift register can also be used to inspect the electrical characteristics of the data lines and analog switches.
US07940241B2 Display apparatus with frame rate controllers generating motion interpolated intermediate image based on image information from adjacent frame rate controller
A display apparatus includes a plurality of frame rate controllers that generate a motion interpolated intermediate image. The frame rate controllers exchange image information with adjacent frame rate controllers. According to the display apparatus, each frame rate controller displays the intermediate image on a corresponding display area based on the image information provided from the adjacent frame rate controller.
US07940240B2 Signal processing for reducing blur of moving image
In an image data processing device of the invention, an image memory sequentially stores input image data of multiple frames. A write control module controls a writing operation into the image memory, and a read control module controls a reading operation from the image memory. A driving image data generation module generates the driving image data from read image data sequentially read from the image memory. The driving image data generation module generates the driving image data by replacing at least part of the read image data with regard to selected pixels with mask data. The mask data is set corresponding to a pixel value of the read image data in each of the selected pixels to be replaced with the mask data. This arrangement of the invention effectively reduces blur of a moving image displayed by the image display device, while preventing a significant decrease in luminance level of the displayed image.
US07940230B2 Method and system for depicting digital display elements
Disclosed is a method for depicting digital display elements (a1-n, b1-n, c1-n, d1-n) on a number of display devices (1) that occurs in a temporarily and/or spatially coordinated manner. In order to depict display elements in a chronologically coordinated manner. At least one display computer device (4) and a control computer device (3) are provided, and at least one display device (1) is assigned to each display computer device. At least one display element and/or one reference to the display element and at least one item of control information (ta, tb, tc, td) are transmitted to the control computer device (3). The control computer device generates at least one control command (xa, xb, xc, xd) from the item of control information. Based on the control command from the display computer device (4), signals (5) are generated from the file, which contains or depicts the display elements, and are transmitted to the respectively assigned display device (1).
US07940225B1 Antenna with shaped dielectric loading
An apparatus, method of propagating a signal and method of manufacture for an antenna structure comprising a section which is positioned or formed in relation to a portion of the antenna structure, such that a portion of the electromagnetic (EM) field that is emitted from the antenna structure is partially slowed or phase shifted thereby resulting in an improvement of the horizontal gain of the EM field.
US07940221B2 Electronic device and telescopic antenna module
An electronic device and a telescopic antenna module are disclosed. The electronic device includes a housing and the telescopic antenna module. The telescopic antenna module includes an antenna with a ground terminal, a telescopic support with a sliding mechanism and an antenna module shell. The antenna is movably connected to the sliding mechanism. The antenna module shell is made of conductive material. The antenna is connected to the antenna module shell via the ground terminal for ground connection.
US07940207B1 Modular design for a fill-level-radar antenna system
A modular system is for assembling a fill-level radar antenna, a fill-level radar antenna, and o a fill level radar. The modular system comprises several modules that can be interconnected. In this way a host of different fill-level radar antennae may be produced that are optimally adapted to the corresponding conditions.
US07940197B2 Network re-encoding method and device for re-encoding encoded symbols to be transmitted to communication equipments
A network re-encoding device is intended for re-encoding encoded symbols to be transmitted to at least one communication equipment connected to a network. This network re-encoding device comprises a re-encoding means arranged for re-encoding output nodes, defined by LT code symbols representative of encoded symbols and representative respectively of the results of XOR Boolean operation between input nodes defining decoded symbols whose values have to be discovered and to which they are linked into a Tanner graph, by combining chosen input node and/or output node having known values, in order to produce new LT code symbols defining generated output nodes ready to be transmitted.
US07940196B2 System and method for indicating the field of view of a three dimensional display on a two dimensional display
An aircraft display system is provided that is configured to render a perspective display having a field of view. The aircraft display system includes a monitor and a processor coupled to the monitor. The processor is configured to generate a map display on the monitor. The map display indicates the value of at least one parameter of the field of view of the perspective display.
US07940192B2 Channel equalization for mud-pulse telemetry
Channel estimation and signal equalization is used in a mud-pulse telemetry system for uplink communication during drilling of wellbores.
US07940183B2 Antenna for radio frequency identification tag
The present invention relates to an antenna for an RFID tag chip. The antenna includes a dielectric material, a radiating patch that scatters a signal from the RFID tag chip for transmitting the scattered signal, and microstrip lines having a terminal for the RFID tag chip. Accordingly, a small antenna that can be attached to metal can be realized.
US07940178B2 Laser area sensor
A laser area sensor includes a laser range finder, a scanning mechanism that changes a measurement direction of the laser range finder, and a distance data acquiring portion that defines a detection area and acquires distance information in each direction in the detection area in a time-series manner, by periodically causing the laser range finder to perform measurement while causing the measurement direction to be changed. The laser area sensor also includes a human body judging portion that extracts a portion that is presumed to correspond to a human body, from among the distance information and judges whether or not the extracted portion matches a human body based on a time-series moving status of the extracted portion, an alert output control portion, a memory, and a DIP switch.
US07940176B2 Lock interaction with software to facilitate access to cash handling device functionality
Methods and devices provide for lock interaction with software in order to facilitate access to a vault in a cash handling device and display of a transportation utility interface. A user may access an electromechanical lock on a cash handling device. The lock may determine whether the user is authorized. If unlocked, access may be provided to a transportation utility interface and to a vault that may contain currency in order to facilitate removal and transportation of the currency. If desired, stackers in the cash handling device may automatically transfer the currency to a container in the vault after the lock is unlocked. The vault may be subsequently closed, access to the transportation utility interface may be disabled, and the lock may be re-locked.
US07940173B2 Dynamically configurable wireless device
A wireless device for facilitating for GPS-based asset tracking via a wireless communications network and a centralized management system. The wireless device includes dynamically configurable event profiles which allow the wireless device to be dynamically reconfigured and to perform certain actions based on a dynamically configurable combination of received events.
US07940171B2 Machine-readable representation of geographic information
A computer-implemented location identification method involves obtaining a digital image of a machine-readable representation encoded with a geographic location identifier that is associated with a geographic location, decoding the image of the machine-readable representation to produce the geographic location identifier, and presenting content related to the geographic location and identified using the decoded geographic location identifier.
US07940167B2 Battery-powered occupancy sensor
A battery-powered occupancy sensor for detecting an occupancy condition in a space comprises first and second batteries, an occupancy detector circuit, a controller, and a wireless transmitter for transmitting a first wireless signal in response to the occupancy detector circuit detecting the occupancy condition in the space. The controller and the wireless transmitter are powered by the first battery, while only the occupancy detector circuit is powered by the second battery, such that the occupancy detector circuit is isolated from noise generated by the controller and the wireless transmitter. The occupancy detector circuit draws a current having a magnitude of approximately 5 microamps or less from the second battery. The occupancy sensor transmits a second wireless signal is response to determining that the voltage of one of the batteries has dropped too low.
US07940160B2 Lock controller of working machine, and working machine
The convenience of use of a method for locking a working machine without locking actuation by a human being is improved. A lock control device (80) of a working machine (1) includes: a stop operation detection means (186) which detects that a predetermined stop operation has been performed by the working machine (1); a time period length measurement means (187) which measures the time period length from when it has been detected that the predetermined stop operation has been performed, to the present; and a lock setting means (188) which: if the time period length which has been measured is within a predetermined time period length, without locking the working machine, makes it possible to restart it without a password; and, if the time period length which has been measured is greater than the predetermined time period length, locks the working machine (1), and makes restarting possible upon password input.
US07940146B2 Boundary acoustic wave element, boundary acoustic wave device, and manufacturing methods for the same
A boundary acoustic wave element includes an IDT electrode arranged at the interface between a piezoelectric substance and a dielectric layer, a heat dissipation film is arranged on the outer side surface of the dielectric layer or on the outer side surface of a sound-absorbing film laminated on the outer side of the dielectric layer, the heat dissipation film is arranged to have a portion that overlaps the IDT electrode in plan view, and the heat dissipation film is connected to a bump provided on the outer side surface of the sound-absorbing film, and is connected to a via-hole conductor that extends through the sound-absorbing film. The boundary acoustic wave element and a boundary acoustic wave device are excellent in a heat dissipation property and hence can provide enhanced electric power resistance, without causing an increase in chip size and an increase in the area of the mounting space.
US07940133B2 Atomic frequency acquiring apparatus and atomic clock
An atomic frequency acquisition apparatus includes: a cell enclosing atomic gas therein; a laser light source that oscillates a laser light that enters the cell and excites the atomic gas; and a photodetecting section that detects the laser light that has passed through the cell, wherein the cell has at least a laser light reflection section inside thereof.
US07940128B2 High speed PLL clock multiplier
The present invention relates to a mixed mode electronic circuit that implements a PLL cell that employs an auto-range algorithm to lock to a wide range of input reference signals.
US07940124B2 Bi-directional and adjustable current source
A Bi-Directional and Adjustable Current Source (“BACS”) for providing an amplifier input with a voltage signal that is linear, where an output of the BACS and the amplifier input are shunted with a capacitor, is described. The BACS may include a first switch in signal communication with a high voltage reference and a first current source in signal communication with the first switch. The BACS may also include a second switch in signal communication with a low voltage reference and a second current source in signal communication with the second switch. The BACS may further include a directional current element in signal communication with both the first current source, the second current source, the output of the BACS, the amplifier input, and the capacitor, where the directional current element is configured to prevent current flow from the output BACS to the first current source.
US07940122B2 Amplifier circuit and communication device
There is provided an amplifier circuit having a common-source amplifier, an output load connected to an output terminal of the common-source amplifier, a buffer circuit connected to the output terminal of the common-source amplifier, a feedback circuit connected between an output terminal of the buffer circuit and an input terminal of the common-source amplifier, and a control circuit for controlling an impedance of the feedback circuit in accordance with a gain of the common-source amplifier.
US07940106B2 Apparatus for generating a correction signal
An apparatus for generating a correction signal for linearizing an output signal of a non-linear element includes a correction signal generator. The correction signal generator is configured to generate a correction signal on the basis of a superposition of a digital reference signal and a superposed output signal. The superposed output signal is based on a superposition of the output signal and an analog reference signal.
US07940100B2 Delay circuits matching delays of synchronous circuits
Delay circuits capable of providing delays closely matching propagation delays of synchronous circuits are described. In one design, an apparatus includes a synchronous circuit and a delay circuit. The synchronous circuit includes a forward path from a data input to a data output. The synchronous circuit receives input data and provides output data with a propagation delay. The delay circuit receives an input signal and provides a delayed input signal having a delay matching the propagation delay of the synchronous circuit. The delay circuit includes at least two logic gates in the forward path of the synchronous circuit. The synchronous and delay circuits may be implemented based on the same or similar circuit architecture. The delay circuit may be based on a replica of the synchronous circuit, with the replica having feedback loops broken and clock input coupled to appropriate logic value to always enable the delay circuit.
US07940092B2 Gate driver circuit for H bridge circuit
An H bridge circuit includes a gate driver circuit coupled to a gate of an NMOS device. The output of the gate driver circuit is at a voltage from 0.1V to 0.4V during a dead time of the H bridge circuit. The gate voltage of the NMOS device is biased at 0.1˜0.4V to overcome the problems of minority carrier injection and power dissipation as compared with VG=0 in a conventional H bridge circuit.
US07940086B2 Interface circuit that can switch between single-ended transmission and differential transmission
An object of the present invention is to realize reduction in an area of an output stage driver in an interface circuit that switches between two transmission systems. The interface circuit has two driver circuits and a drive control circuit that can switch between two driving systems that are a voltage driving system and a current driving system. The two driver circuits are connected to a power supply potential via the drive control circuit. Two input signals and inverted logic signals of the input signals are inputted via a selection circuit. According to a control signal inputted into the drive control circuit, the interface circuit switches between the voltage-driving type single-ended transmission system and current driving type differential transmission system.
US07940077B2 Adjustable resistance
In one implementation, a termination circuit may include a variable resistance circuit that comprises a resistance network in which the resistance of a parallel combination of two complementary transistors of opposite types is substantially independent of the drain-to-source voltages of the transistors when the gate-to-source voltages of the transistors are substantially equal in magnitude and opposite in sign. In various examples, the network may include a resistor in parallel and/or series with the transistors. Some implementations may adjust a resistance of the network in response to a digital-to-analog converter output signal. In another implementation, an integrated circuit may include a termination stage with an integrated resistor in parallel or series with a circuit having a tunable impedance. In an illustrative embodiment, relative channel width of the first and second transistors may be selected to realize substantially complementary characteristics for drain-to-source voltage vs. drain-to-source resistance.
US07940066B2 BIST DDR memory interface circuit and method for testing the same
An apparatus and method for self-testing a DDR memory interface are disclosed. In one aspect, a built-in-self-test (BIST) memory interface circuit includes a signal multiplier for receiving a first clock signal from a tester and outputs a multiplied clock signal. A first multiplexer is used for selecting between a test mode and a normal operating mode and provides an output signal. A delay magnitude generator is coupled to the signal multiplier to receive the multiplied clock signal and provides a second clock signal and a phase control signal. A plurality of digitally controlled delay line blocks are used for each receiving the second clock signal and the phase control signal and outputting a phase shifted data strobe output signal in response to receiving an internal data strobe input signal. A second multiplexer selects one of the internal data strobe input signals and a third multiplexer selects the phase shifted data strobe output signal that corresponds to the selected internal data strobe input signal. A phase detector determines a phase difference between the selected internal data strobe input signal and the selected phase shifted data strobe output signal and outputs a phase difference value.
US07940059B2 Method for testing H-bridge
A method for measuring an on resistance in an H-bridge including first and second transistors connected to a first output terminal, third and fourth transistors connected to a second output terminal, and a measurement switch connected to the first and second output terminals. The first and third transistors are connected to a first power supply terminal. The second and fourth transistors are connected to a second power supply terminal. The method includes supplying the first transistor with measurement current during a first period, measuring a first voltage at the first power supply terminal via the third transistor using the second output terminal during the first period, measuring a second voltage at the first output terminal via the measurement switch using the second output terminal during the first period, and determining the on resistance of the first transistor based on the measurement current, first voltage, and second voltage.
US07940056B2 Time-domain reflectometry
The present invention provides a method of time domain reflectometry including transmitting a test signal along a cable under test from one end and sensing and recording a reflected signal from the cable at that end, using the recorded, reflected signal to estimate the distance, Ldist, from the one end to a discontinuity on the cable, separating a test signal component from the remainder, Vr, of the reflected signal; estimating the impedance, Zfault, of the discontinuity from known, predetermined values of the characteristic impedance, Zline, and of the characteristic gain, T, of a reference cable, and from the said separated test signal and reflected signal components, calculating the estimation error as a difference between the model reflection signal, Vrmod, expected of the cable under test based on the characteristic impedance and characteristic gain and the estimated impedance, Zfault and distance, Ldist, and the actual reflection signal Vr, choosing new estimated values of Ldist and Zfault in accordance with a predetermined algorithm such as to approach optimal values, repeating the aforesaid step of calculating the estimation error until a predetermined condition has been satisfied, and outputting the values of Ldist and Zfault that gave the least error.
US07940054B2 System and method to zero-sequence verify ground return path integrity by comparing measured zero-sequence current in an autotransformer with a second zero-sequence current source
A ground return path is determined to be impaired when no zero-sequence current is measured in the neutral return path, but zero-sequence current is detected in other suitable measuring points that include the windings of an autotransformer, or in a magnetically coupled delta-configured tertiary winding, or potential transformer.
US07940049B2 Portable wireless metal detector
A portable electromagnetic metal detector includes a detection head placed at the end of a support stick. The detection head includes a transmitting coil and a receiving coil. The metal detector has, an electronic command and control box making it possible to operate the detection head. An operator headset is provided for allowing the detector to transmit an audio detection signal to the operator. According to the invention, the generation of the transmission signal and the analysis of the received signal are made in the detection head. The detection head, the electronic box and the operator headset furthermore linked two by two by a multipoint wireless communication network. This wireless communication network advantageously makes it possible to provide a detector that does not include any wired links and to implement the detector according to the invention in various configurations including the three elements or not.
US07940031B2 Switching power supply circuitry
An output voltage VC obtained by boosting an input voltage VIN by means of a charge pump control circuit 3 of a charge pump 102 is supplied as a power supply voltage to a control circuit 4 of a step-up converter. It is thus possible to eliminate the need for a conventional self-bias method, eliminate switching from startup oscillation to main oscillation of the conventional self-bias method upon startup, and overcome problems caused by the switching of oscillation states, thereby achieving switching power supply circuitry starting in a reliable and stable manner.
US07940024B2 Media portal for vehicle
A media portal for a vehicle includes a structure within a vehicle passenger compartment that defines a cavity. The cavity is selectively variable in size in order to retain a portable electronic device. A sensor is configured to detect the presence of the portable electronic device in the cavity. An inductive charger is positioned to generate a changing magnetic field in the cavity to inductively charge a battery of the portable electronic device. At least one user interface device is included through which data can be received from or transmitted to the portable electronic device.
US07940022B2 Motor controlling device and method thereof
A motor controlling device and a motor controlling method are provided. The motor controlling device includes a first sensor, a second sensor and a signal switching circuit. The signal switching circuit is electrically connected to the first and second sensors, respectively. The signal switching circuit is switched to the first sensor to output a first switching phase signal to drive a motor when the motor starts to operate. The signal switching circuit is switched to the second sensor to output a second switching phase signal to drive the motor when a predetermined switching condition is satisfied with a predetermined value during the motor operation.
US07940013B2 Lighting apparatus and display apparatus therewith
A lighting apparatus includes light emitters to illuminate an illuminated member. Relationship information about a relationship between variations in the amount of light emitted by each of the light emitters and variations in an amount of light received on each of the different portions of the illuminated member are stored in memory. A controller is operable to control individually, based on the relationship information, the amount of the light emitted by each of the light emitters so that the amount of light received on the different portions of the illuminated member are substantially even.
US07940010B2 Emergency lighting
An emergency lighting system comprising light units and sensors, such as heat detectors, smoke detectors and motion detectors, operable to activate the light units. In the preferred embodiment, the light units are operable to adopt a selected one of at least two illuminated stated depending on the state of the sensors. Each illuminated state may involve the display of a symbol, text message or illumination pattern such as an arrow or a warning indicator, and/or may involve the emission of a respective illumination color. The emergency lighting system may be associated with a set of stairs in order to illuminate the stairs when activated.
US07940007B2 Plasma lamp with dielectric waveguide integrated with transparent bulb
A dielectric waveguide integrated plasma lamp (DWIPL) with a body comprising at least one dielectric material having a dielectric constant greater than approximately 2, and having a shape and dimensions such that the body resonates in at least one resonant mode when microwave energy of an appropriate frequency is coupled into the body. A dielectric bulb within a lamp chamber in the body contains a fill which when receiving energy from the resonating body forms a light-emitting plasma. The bulb is transparent to visible light and infrared radiation emitted by the plasma. Radiative energy lost from the plasma is recycled by reflecting the radiation from thin-film, multi-layer coatings on bulb exterior surfaces and/or lamp chamber surfaces back into the bulb. The lamp further includes two- or three-microwave probe configurations minimizing power reflected from the body back to the microwave source when the source operates: (a) at a frequency such that the body resonates in a single mode; or (b) at one frequency such that the body resonates in a relatively higher mode before a plasma is formed, and at another frequency such that the body resonates in a relatively lower order mode after the plasma reaches steady state.
US07939995B2 Piezoelectric resonator in a small-sized package
The packaged piezoelectric resonator comprises a case (170; 270) with a lid (140; 240) and a piezoelectric resonator element (110) housed in said case, The piezoelectric resonator element includes a planar tuning-fork-shaped part with two parallel vibrating arms (112, 114), and an additional attachment arm (118) intended for fixing the resonator element (110) to the bottom (172) of the case (170). The inside surface of the lid (140, 240) is stepped in such a way as to form a first portion (142) where the lid has a first thickness and a second portion (144) where the lid has a second thickness substantially greater than the first thickness, the first portion (142) extending at least over distal end portions (166, 168) of the vibrating arms (112, 114), and the second portion (144) extending at least over a part of the attachment arm (118).
US07939993B2 Micromechanical Hf switching element and method for the production thereof
The present invention relates to a micromechanical HF switching element, in which a freestanding movable element is situated above a metallic surface on a substrate in such way that it is drawn to the metallic surface, to which a dielectric layer is applied, by applying an electrical voltage between the metallic surface and the movable element. The present invention also relates to a method for producing micromechanical HF switching elements of this type, in which the dielectric layer is deposited on the metal surface. The present method is distinguished in that a piezoelectric AlN layer having a columnar, polycrystalline structure and a texture is deposited on the metallic surface as the dielectric layer. Significantly reduced charging of the dielectric material and increased long-term stability of the switching element are achieved by the present method and the HF switching element thus produced.
US07939992B2 Electrical switch element, particularly a relay, with swivelling lever switch mechanism
An electrical switch element, particularly a relay, is provided with an actuator with a switch contact and a switch mechanism. The switch mechanism translates a driving movement of the actuator into a switching movement of the switch contact so that the switch contact is brought into and out of contact with a mating contact. In order to create a switching movement with a large lift in the case of an actuator which can only execute a driving movement with small lift, the switch mechanism has two swivelling levers connected to each other via the actuator and at least one contact retainer. The contact retainer connects the two swivelling levers in its longitudinal direction with a lever arm larger than the actuator and is configured so it can be deflected transverse to its longitudinal direction.
US07939978B2 Electric motor
The present invention relates to an electric motor (1) with a stator (4) with a wiring device (28) for stator windings, with control electronics (10) arranged in an electronics housing (8) and a connecting device (32), which is arranged in the region of the electronics housing (8), for external connecting lines. In this case, all of the electrical connections between the connecting device (32) and the control electronics (10) and/or between the control electronics (10) and the stator wiring device (28) are in the form of a plug-type connector (34) with a number of connecting elements.
US07939976B2 Hybrid type rotary electric machine
A hybrid type stepper motor preferably includes a two-phase eight-main-pole stator and a rotor defined by two rotor units each having a pair of rotor magnetic poles with a permanent magnet interposed therebetween. Each rotor magnetic pole has fine teeth at a regular pitch. The permanent magnets are magnetized in opposite directions to each other. The adjacent rotor magnetic poles of the rotor units are arranged with their fine teeth aligned with each other in the axial direction. Each main pole has six inductor teeth including: a pair of innermost inductor teeth arranged at the first pitch in the central portion of the main pole; a pair of intermediate teeth on the outside of the innermost inductor teeth at the second pitch therefrom; and a pair of outermost inductor teeth on the outside of the intermediate inductor teeth at the third pitch therefrom. The first, second, and third pitches are all different from the pitch of the fine teeth of the rotor magnetic pole. At least one of the first, second, and third pitches is different from the others.
US07939974B2 Movable magnet type linear motor with heat-dissipating assembly
A movable magnet type linear motor with a mover heat-dissipating assembly includes a mover having a housing receiving therein a coil seat for holding a coil, openings being formed at two opposite ends of the housing, end covers being attached to the openings and having central holes so as to allow an inner stator to pass through the holes, wherein a plurality of heat dissipating channels are provided between the coil seat and the housing while the end covers have plural heat dissipating holes corresponding to the heat dissipating channels so that external cool air is allowed to enter the housing through the heat dissipating holes and the heat dissipating channels, thereby cooling the mover.
US07939973B2 Canned linear motor armature and canned linear motor
A canned linear motor armature comprising an armature winding constituted by a coil group including a plurality of formed coils formed in a flat plate shape. A metal-made chassis is provided to surround the armature winding by a frame-like shape. A can hermetically closes two opening portions of the chassis. The coil group is interposed by a wiring board having a wiring portion and a resin-made frame of a bath tub shape. The frame is opened only at a face side of the wiring board. A periphery of the formed coils surrounded by the wiring board and the frame is configured to be injection-molded by a mold or a potting resin.
US07939965B2 Charge of equalization apparatus with parallel connection of secondary windings of multiple transformers
The present invention relates, in general, to a charge equalization apparatus with series-connected battery cells and, more particularly, to a charge equalization apparatus, in which series-connected battery cells (B1 to BN) are connected in parallel with the primary windings (Mi 1 to M1N) of transformers (T1 to TN), switches (S1 to SN) for controlling the flow of current of the primary windings are connected in series with the primary windings (M1 1 to M1N), and multiple secondary windings (M21 to M2N) corresponding to the primary windings are connected in parallel with each other.
US07939960B2 Aerial wind power generating system using floating body
The present invention provides an aerial wind power generating system which has an improved structure such that despite light wind, satisfactory wind power generation can be ensured, and such that it is easy to install and remove the system, thus being effectively adapted to a temporary and portable wind power generating system. The system of the present invention includes a floating body (20), which is connected to support wires coupled to a wire rotating unit, a wind passage (30), which is formed through the floating body, so that wind passes through the wind passage in the horizontal direction, and a wind power generating unit (40), which has turbine blade assemblies and generators (48). The turbine blade assemblies are installed in the wind passage and are thus rotated by wind passing through the wind passage. The generators generate electric energy using rotating force transmitted from the turbine blade assemblies.
US07939959B2 Wind turbine with parallel converters utilizing a plurality of isolated transformer windings
A system and method are provided to isolate outputs of parallel converter threads of a power system converter of a wind turbine generator by utilizing isolated power windings on the output transformer from the converter. Such isolation eliminates the circulating common mode current between the parallel converters of the wind turbine system and eliminates the need for a common mode inductor. System reliability is enhanced and total system cost is reduced.
US07939936B2 Semiconductor package having semiconductor device featuring externally-accessible endless ring-shaped resistance circuit
A semiconductor package includes a wiring board having a plurality of first electrode pads exposed on a top surface thereof, and a plurality of second electrode pads exposed on a bottom surface thereof, and the first electrode pads are electrically connected to the respective second electrode pads. A semiconductor device is mounted on the top surface of the wiring board, and includes an endless ring-shaped resistance circuit formed in an interior of the device along a periphery thereof, and a plurality of third electrode pads provided inside the resistance circuit and electrically connected to the resistance circuit. The third electrode pads are electrically connected to the first electrode pads, respectively. A sealing resin layer is formed over the first surface of the wiring board so that the device and the first electrode pads are sealed and protected by the sealing resin layer.
US07939929B2 Semiconductor laser device and method of fabricating semiconductor laser device
A semiconductor laser device includes a supporting substrate; a semiconductor laser device portion which is formed on a surface of the supporting substrate, and which includes a pair of cavity surfaces; an adhesive layer with which the supporting substrate and the semiconductor laser device portion are adhered to each other; and areas, in which no adhesive layer exists, the areas being near the ends respectively of the cavity surfaces, the ends being closer to the supporting substrate.
US07939922B2 Forming compliant contact pads for semiconductor packages
In one embodiment, the present invention includes a semiconductor package having a substrate with a first surface to support a semiconductor die. A second surface of the substrate includes compliant conductive pads to provide electrical connections to the semiconductor die. In this way, improved connection between the semiconductor package and a socket is provided. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
US07939920B2 Multiple die integrated circuit package
A multiple die package and removable storage card is disclosed. An insulator layer is provided and one or more vias are formed within it. The insulator may be provided without vias, and vias formed later. At least one integrated circuit is provided and electrically coupled to at least one lead of a first leadframe overlying one surface of the insulator layer. At least one second integrated circuit is provided and electrically coupled to a second leadframe overlying a second surface of the insulator layer. Electrical connections between the two leadframes and the first and second integrated circuits are made through the insulator, at selected locations, by coupling at least one lead of the first and second leadframes one to another. The leads of the first and second leadframe may be electrically coupled via anisotropically conductive areas of the leadframes.
US07939906B2 Preparation method for an electron tomography sample with embedded markers and a method for reconstructing a three-dimensional image
A manufacturing method for an electron tomography specimen with embedded fiducial markers includes the following steps. A chip of wafer is provided. The chip includes at least one inspecting area. At least one trench is produced beside the inspecting area. A liquid with the markers is filled into the trenches. A first protection layer is coated on the chip, and then a second protection layer is deposited on the first protection layer. Therefore, the markers can be embedded into the electron tomography specimen. The embedded markers can improve the alignment process, due to those embedded markers are easily tracked during feature tracking procedure. In addition, our novel invention also successfully provides a modified version of the technique to deposit gold beads onto TEM pillar samples for much improved 3D reconstruction.
US07939902B2 Field effect transistor having source and/or drain forming schottky or schottky-like contact with strained semiconductor substrate
The present invention is a field effect transistor having a strained semiconductor substrate and Schottky-barrier source and drain electrodes, and a method for making the transistor. The bulk charge carrier transport characteristic of the Schottky barrier field effect transistor minimizes carrier surface scattering, which enables the strained substrate to provide improved power and speed performance characteristics in this device, as compared to conventional devices.
US07939901B2 Optical device for reducing disturbance light and manufacturing method thereof
An optical element mounted on a wiring board is sealed by a sealing resin except an optical function region. Wires connecting the wiring board with the optical element are also sealed by the sealing resin. The optical function region is exposed as a bottom surface of a recess whose side surface is formed by the sealing resin. A boundary portion between the side surface of the recess and a top surface portion and a boundary portion between the side surface and bottom surface of the recess have a rounded shape.
US07939887B2 Active semiconductor component with a reduced surface area
A semiconductor component in which the active junctions extend perpendicularly to the surface of a semiconductor chip substantially across the entire thickness thereof. The contacts with the regions to be connected are provided by conductive fingers substantially crossing the entire region with which a contact is desired to be established.
US07939886B2 Trench gate power semiconductor device
A trench gate power MOSFET (1) includes: an n−-type epitaxial layer (12); a p-type body region (20) formed in the vicinity of an upper surface of the n−-type epitaxial layer (12); a plurality of trenches (14) formed so as to reach the n−-type epitaxial layer (12) from an upper surface of the p-type body region (20); and gates (18) formed in the trenches (14). In some regions facing the p-type body region (20) in the n−-type epitaxial layer (12), p-type carrier extracting regions (26a, 26b, 26c) are formed. According to the trench gate power MOSFET (1), holes generated in a cell region can be effectively collected through the p-type carrier extracting regions (26a, 26b, 26c) so as to further increase a speed of the switching operation.